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Blank vs Preprinted Checks: Which Format Do You Need?

Secure Checks supplies both blank laser check stock and preprinted laser checks for QuickBooks, Sage, Quicken, and many other accounting packages. The right choice depends on what your software prints, what your printer can do, and how much you want pre-filled on the check.

Quick Decision Guide

  • Choose blank laser checks if your software prints the full check face and the MICR line (check number, routing, and account), and your printer uses a MICR toner cartridge.
  • Choose preprinted checks if you want bank information, company imprint, and MICR already on the stock, and your software mainly fills in payee, amount, date, and memo.
  • Not sure? Call 1-800-577-4169. We can match your software and send samples when helpful.

Blank Laser Check Stock

Blank stock is a perforated sheet with security features but little or no banking data. Your accounting software prints everything, including the MICR line at the bottom of each check.

You will need:

  • Software that can print MICR (check number, routing number, account number) in the bank-required position
  • A laser printer with a MICR toner cartridge
  • The correct layout for your program: 1-up, 2-up, 3-up, or 4-up, plus the right page size and perforation positions

Start with our blank-stock layout tips on the Laser Checks category page, or use the Software Compatibility tool on the site to see products listed for your package.

Shop 1-up blank stock  |  2-up  |  3-up  |  4-up

Preprinted Laser Checks

Preprinted checks arrive with your company information and bank MICR line already printed. Your software then prints the variable fields (payee, amount, date, and so on) to match the voucher or check layout your package expects.

This path is common for QuickBooks, Quicken, Sage / Peachtree, and many other packages that ship with a defined laser check format. You order the style that matches your software screen or setup (for example voucher checks with stubs).

Start a preprinted check order  |  Browse preprinted options

QuickBooks and Other Software Formats

Most packages care about three layout facts:

  • How many checks per page (1, 2, 3, or 4)
  • Where the check sits on the page (top, middle, or bottom for 1-up; stub order for multi-up)
  • Page size (usually 8½" x 11", sometimes legal length)

For blank stock, perforation measurements on SecureChecks.com are always from the top of the page down to each perforation. Matching those positions to your software is what keeps the MICR line bank-scannable.

For preprinted stock, pick the product that matches the check style your software is set to print. If the names in your software do not match our catalog wording, call us with the software name and version and we will point you to the correct item.

Which Path Fits Common Situations?

  • QuickBooks / Quicken users who want imprint and MICR done for them - usually preprinted voucher or wallet-style laser checks.
  • Offices that print many accounts or change banks often - blank MICR stock can be more flexible if the software and printer support full MICR printing.
  • Accountant or bookkeeper workflows - see also Checks for Accountants.
  • Need catalogs or PDF product guides - visit Catalogs & Product Guides.

Ready to Order?

Shop laser checks, open the preprinted order form, or call 1-800-577-4169 if you want a quick recommendation or samples.

Secure Checks
1742 State Hwy 153
Coleman, TX 76834
Order line: 1-800-577-4169