What does it cost to print your own checks vs order them?
Printing your own checks replaces boxes of pre-printed checks with software, blank check stock and a little ink. Whether it costs less depends on how many checks you write. This guide shows every cost to count and a simple way to work out your own number.
14-day free trial. No card needed. No per-check fee.
Costs when you print your own checks
Four things make up the cost. Most people already own the last one.
| Check printing software | A monthly or one-time fee. Check Writer 123 starts at $9.99 a month with no per-check fee. |
|---|---|
| Blank check stock | Paper bought in packs, usually three checks to a page. Prices vary by seller and style. |
| Ink or toner | A small amount per page. It depends on your printer and how often you print. |
| A printer | Most people already own one. If you do not, count it once, not per check. |
Costs when you order checks
The price of the box is only part of the picture.
| The checks themselves | A box or minimum order from your bank or a check printer. Minimum quantities can be large. |
|---|---|
| Shipping and rush fees | Standard delivery takes days, and faster delivery costs extra. |
| Reorders | You reorder every time you run low, and check numbers must stay in sequence. |
| Waste when something changes | If you move, rename the business or change banks, leftover pre-printed checks can become unusable. |
A simple formula you can use
Take one typical month. Add the software fee, the blank check stock you used and the ink or toner. Divide by the number of checks you printed. That is your cost per printed check. Now take what you spend on ordered checks in a year, including shipping and the checks you never used, and divide by the number of checks you wrote. Compare the two numbers.
Cost per printed check = (software + blank stock + ink) ÷ checks printed
Cost per ordered check = (checks + shipping + waste) ÷ checks used
We do not quote a savings percentage, because the answer depends on your own prices and volume. Use your real numbers.
The software cost per check
Check Writer 123 charges a flat monthly price with no per-check fee, so the cost per check falls as you print more. Here it is at each plan's limit:
| Plan | Price | Includes | Software cost per check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional | $9.99 a month | 20 checks, 2 bank accounts | About $0.50 per check if you print all 20 |
| Mid Tier | $13.99 a month | 60 checks, 4 bank accounts | About $0.23 per check if you print all 60 |
| Unlimited | $29.99 a month | No limit on checks or accounts | Falls as you print more, since there is no per-check fee |
This is the software cost only. Blank check stock and ink are extra. See the pricing page for current plans.
When ordering is still the better choice
- You write one or two checks a year, so a subscription would sit idle.
- You want checks with bank-specific security features that blank stock does not have.
- You prefer to hand the whole job to your bank and do not mind the wait.
Other benefits that are not on the price tag
Printing your own checks means no waiting for a delivery and no wasted checks when you change a bank or an address, because your details are printed when you write each check. You also get a searchable register, a clearing tracker for checks the bank has paid, and several bank accounts printed on the same stock. Read who needs check printing software, the supplies checklist, and the complete guide to check printing software.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to print your own checks?
It often is for people who write checks regularly, because you stop paying for boxes of pre-printed checks and print only what you need. The result depends on how many checks you write, what you pay for ordered checks now, and the cost of blank stock, ink and software. Use the simple formula on this page with your own numbers.
How do I work out my cost per check?
Add up what you spend in a month: the software fee, the blank check stock you use, and the ink or toner. Divide the total by the number of checks you print. Compare that with what ordered checks cost you per check, including shipping and the checks you throw away.
What does Check Writer 123 cost per check?
There is no per-check fee. The Occasional plan is $9.99 a month for up to 20 checks, about 50 cents a check at the limit. Mid Tier is $13.99 for up to 60, and Unlimited is $29.99 with no limit. Blank stock and ink are extra and vary by what you buy.
Do I have to buy special check paper?
You can print on blank check stock, pre-printed check stock or plain paper. Blank check stock is the recommended choice for checks you hand or mail to someone. Plain paper is usually best for deposits you make yourself, and whether a bank accepts a plain-paper check is up to the bank.
What if I change banks or move?
With blank check stock, your bank details are printed by the software when you write each check, so changing an account or address means updating it once in the app. Pre-printed boxes carry the old details, so leftover checks may be wasted.
Can I try it before I commit?
Yes. Every account starts with a 14-day free trial and no card is needed. You can run a free Test Print on plain paper that never counts toward your plan.
Work out your own number
Start your 14-day free trial, print a few checks, and compare the cost with what you pay now. No card needed.