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I saw this which describes generally how to print checks. And this which basically says there's no standard for the layout of the graphics/text on the checks, but you need the checking/routing number in (ideally) magnetic ink.

However, what I would like to know is the paper to use to print your own checks. People seem to say that "special check paper" is "more secure" because of security features, which I don't fully understand. It seems to me that you can still counterfeit a check by just printing it out on secure check paper too, but I'm probably missing something here still. But anyways, people suggest using secure check paper.

A search on Amazon doesn't show many results, but here's one of them. They are blank on one side, but on the back where you're supposed to sign the check, they look like this:

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I am looking for blank checks you can completely custom design. I am wondering if you are allowed to even customize the back of the check, or what is allowed/not allowed to go there.

In addition, that VersaCheck check paper seems to require that you download their software and even give them your checking account number so that they can "verify your account". That to me seems really insecure and I wonder if this is necessary to get the security features when using custom checks.

But my main question is, if there exists completely blank (front and back) secure check paper for custom printing in which I don't have to provide my checking account number to a third party. Or if not, what the closest is to this.

I want to have completely custom printed checks on the front and the back with all possible security features, and print them out myself. Wondering what this takes. I understand the need for magnetic ink, and have read that a basic over-the-counter inkjet printer will do for printing checks. But reading about VersaCheck it sounds like "to obtain all the security features" you need them to print out the checks (presumably on custom expensive printers), so I don't understand if it's possible or not to print out the checks on your own.

Lance Pollard
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Security features on checks do not prevent all check fraud, but they do make it more difficult for amateurs to copy and/or alter checks.

Some of the security features are related to coatings on the paper (chemical protection, chemical erasure protection, fluorescent fibers) and others are related to printing on the paper itself (security screen, artificial watermark, microprint). So even if you were able to purchase specially coated paper with absolutely no printing on it on either side (which I've never seen available retail), it would be missing some of the key security features that banks want to see.

These printed security features are on both the front and back of the checks, and this is by design. Consumer-grade printers are not really capable of printing features like the artificial watermark or the microprint signature lines. You would not be able to duplicate "all possible security features" yourself using standard computer printers.

Printing your own checks from scratch does not enhance your security in any way. The security features on checks hinder people from duplicating or altering your physical checks, but they do not prevent someone from forging your checks. Indeed, if you can print your own, so can someone else.

If your goal is to avoid the use of the VersaCheck software, then see this question from Software Recommendations.

Ben Miller
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