Buying personal checks

[+ friendofsheila]

The cost of 1 box of personal checks (non-duplicate, safety checks, no fancy printing, no pictures of flowers, kittens or porn stars) has gone up from $13 to $19 from checksunlimited. 50%!

 

Besides asking at the bank itself, can anyone recommend someplace that's inexpensive?

[+ friendofsheila]

(I take five points away from anyone who asks if I've tried looking on Google,

 

or who tries to get me to use electronic checks....)

[+ Travis69]

Take 10 points away from me because I want to know why you don't like electronic checks. Saves money on check costs and also on stamps.

[+ Gar1eth]

I always used to see offers for checks in the Sunday Newspaper Ad Supplements. You might check there.

 

Gman

[+ purplekow]

Take 10 points away from me because I want to know why you don't like electronic checks. Saves money on check costs and also on stamps.

 

I do not like having my financial information on line or even on a computer. I feel more confident that at least I will not be supplying my information to the thieves that steal identities and lives. I realize that big businesses, bank etc put that information out there and they are more likely to be hacked for it. i still prefer the check and the papers bills that come regularly.

[rland54]

I used checksunlimited.com They were fast and quite inexpensive for the plain checks.

[maninsoma]

I do not like having my financial information on line or even on a computer. I feel more confident that at least I will not be supplying my information to the thieves that steal identities and lives. I realize that big businesses, bank etc put that information out there and they are more likely to be hacked for it. i still prefer the check and the papers bills that come regularly.

 

I've heard other people make that argument before, but it doesn't seem logical to me. Just because you haven't created a user id and password to access your bank account online doesn't meant that information isn't readily available. I say this because there isn't any delay between setting up your account online and your ability to use it, so the account information is presumably sitting on the same server as that of other customers who have set up online banking. If anything, it seems to me that if someone knows enough information about you and you haven't yet created a user id and password that that person could set up online access without your knowledge. At least if you've created a logon with a secure password then someone else would have a little more difficulty logging into your account. I'd also add that snail mail is probably less secure than electronic payments online, and even if someone isn't set up to receive electronic payments one can request a check be sent to that payee directly by the bank with no extra fee -- no cost for postage, no cost for check printing.

 

Not that I'm saying you have to decide to bank online, but I don't think security concerns about it are based in reality.

[+ purplekow]

To quote myself: 'I realize that big businesses, bank etc put that information out there and they are more likely to be hacked for it. i still prefer the check and the papers bills that come regularly." I perhaps I should have been clearer in saying I know that they put my information out there.

 

"but I don't think security concerns about it are based in reality." And that is why you most likely bank on line and I don't.

[+ Robster]

Take as many points away from me as you want, but... people still write checks??

 

Rob

[Irtwo]

Every bank I've ever used always supplied the checks for free. Anyway, here you go:

 

http://www.supervaluechecks.com/line.aspx?lineid=120

[rvwnsd]

The cost of 1 box of personal checks (non-duplicate, safety checks, no fancy printing, no pictures of flowers, kittens or porn stars) has gone up from $13 to $19 from checksunlimited. 50%!

 

Besides asking at the bank itself, can anyone recommend someplace that's inexpensive?

 

That has been the price of a renewal order of a single box of checks for quite some time. They snag you with the initial order for two boxes and then jack up the price to more than the bank would charge.

 

I always used to see offers for checks in the Sunday Newspaper Ad Supplements. You might check there.

 

Gman

 

I see the same offers. They are typically for the initial supply and require a two-box minimum to get the ultra-low price.

 

For those who scoff at checks, just remember what your employer asked you to provide when you set up direct deposit. I'll give you a hint: it starts with a "c" and ends in "heck." Think about the information you were asked for the last time you set up a direct debit on a biller's web site. Did you hunt through bank documentation to locate that routing number or did you look at the bottom of a check? I don't write many checks, but there are times when I need one and I am glad to have a checkbook.

[marylander1940]

Every bank I've ever used always supplied the checks for free. Anyway, here you go:

 

http://www.supervaluechecks.com/line.aspx?lineid=120

 

or http://www.vistaprint.com

[+ deej]

For those who scoff at checks, just remember what your employer asked you to provide when you set up direct deposit. I'll give you a hint: it starts with a "c" and ends in "heck." Think about the information you were asked for the last time you set up a direct debit on a biller's web site. Did you hunt through bank documentation to locate that routing number or did you look at the bottom of a check? I don't write many checks, but there are times when I need one and I am glad to have a checkbook.

 

When was the last time you set up direct deposit? With the current societal focus on identity theft fewer and fewer reputable employers are asking for a voided check.

 

I do still look at a check when setting up online bill pay, but it's currently check #276. My bank started me at #100 when I opened the account in 2002. The last check I wrote was in January (a conference registration that didn't have an onine option) and before that was August 2013 (when I bought a car). There's still a place for checks but they're not as all important as they once were.

 

Having a checking *account* is required as much as it ever was, but having actual checks? Eh, not so much. On the rare occasion I know I'll need a check I actually have to hunt for my checkbook.

 

I don't scoff at checks. I understand them as a financial instrument. I just don't use them very often.

[gallahadesquire]

When was the last time you set up direct deposit? With the current societal focus on identity theft fewer and fewer reputable employers are asking for a voided check.

 

I do still look at a check when setting up online bill pay, but it's currently check #276. My bank started me at #100 when I opened the account in 2002. The last check I wrote was in January (a conference registration that didn't have an onine option) and before that was August 2013 (when I bought a car). There's still a place for checks but they're not as all important as they once were.

 

Having a checking *account* is required as much as it ever was, but having actual checks? Eh, not so much. On the rare occasion I know I'll need a check I actually have to hunt for my checkbook.

 

I don't scoff at checks. I understand them as a financial instrument. I just don't use them very often.

 

Regarding Direct Deposit: I had to set an account up for direct deposit for Social Security Disability payments. Part of the agreement is "if we over pay you, we take it back, and you need not know about it."

 

I set up a regular ol' savings account that requires a minimum balance of $300 dollars. Money comes in and I immediately move it to my checking account. If the money isn't in an account, they can't take it.

 

Just a random thought.

[geoffk]

i couldnt remember who i got my checks from so i googled it. i see Walmart has checks for $6.46 for plain checks.

(not sure what shipping is) I actually get mine from Bradford Exchange, i think i found it in the sunday paper, they may be somewhat pricey but I only buy them every couple of years because i mostly pay everything online.

 

As to direct deposit, many of my employees do not use checks so my payroll company requires them to get at form at their bank with their routing number and account number on it.

[+ Funguy]

there are a number of check-making programs in which you simply input your bank's info, your info, and you print your own. Yes, there is an initial outlay for the software and you can get the blank check stock at places like Office Depot or Staples. One-time expenses.

[+ deej]

there are a number of check-making programs in which you simply input your bank's info, your info, and you print your own. Yes, there is an initial outlay for the software and you can get the blank check stock at places like Office Depot or Staples. One-time expenses.

 

Yes, Quicken users have been doing this for years. (Particularly the business editions.) I believe there used to be a restriction on the type of printer used. Lasers only, no ink jets! Not sure if that's still the case.

 

One of the things I do order regularly is pads of just deposit slips. I write so few checks I'm ALWAYS out of deposit slips. You can order entire pads of them without any checks at all. I'm always surprised when I mention it and someone responds "you can DO that????".

[tom1980]

One of the things I do order regularly is pads of just deposit slips. I write so few checks I'm ALWAYS out of deposit slips. You can order entire pads of them without any checks at all. I'm always surprised when I mention it and someone responds "you can DO that????".

 

You still use deposit slips???? I just log into my bank's iphone app, take a picture of the check with my phone, and click the deposit button. Sometimes, if I'm feeling particularly old fashioned (and it coincides with a need for cash), I'll deposit a check at an ATM at the same time I'm making a withdrawal. I rarely need to deposit cash, but I do that at an ATM without a deposit slip as well (for some reason my bank wouldn't accept pictures of the bills in place of an actual deposit even though the serial numbers are clearly identifiable in the photos).

[Daverwr]

As some of you know, I LOVE anything Burberry, hence my avatar. I found this beautiful check wallet in Burberry print and leather on eBay. I was thrilled and snatched it up. That was months ago and I have used it exactly once! What was I thinking?!

[+ Charlie]

I also order just deposit slips for one of my checking accounts, because I rarely write a check on the account, but I get regular paychecks which I need to deposit into it (the payer does not offer direct deposit). And I need slips because I don't have a smartphone, and won't be getting one.

[instudiocity]

Costco Members can buy 500 plain safety checks for as little as $11.34 at costcochecks.com

[Frequentflier]

You still use deposit slips???? I just log into my bank's iphone app, take a picture of the check with my phone, and click the deposit button. Sometimes, if I'm feeling particularly old fashioned (and it coincides with a need for cash), I'll deposit a check at an ATM at the same time I'm making a withdrawal. I rarely need to deposit cash, but I do that at an ATM without a deposit slip as well (for some reason my bank wouldn't accept pictures of the bills in place of an actual deposit even though the serial numbers are clearly identifiable in the photos).

 

I really like that checks can be deposited from my iPhone as you've outlined. I didn't start doing that until my favorite bank teller at my local branch left late last year. He'd been there for like three years, was mid 20's and really great looking with a great body and clothes that fit it well He was personable and and while I never tried my luck with him I think he knew I was attracted. I go to the branch once a month to cash a check. If I find the bank has hired some talent, I'll be back to depositing checks in person.

 

I find I'm better at really knowing where my money is going and understanding my spending habits by using a paper register. I've started paying more bills with paper checks and I'm spending less money. I now only use a credit card to pay at the gas pump and cash for everything else except on line purchases (and I always hunt for the best price and buy earlier to get free shipping). I find paying with a credit card leads to spending more than with cash. I've also switched back to receiving all my bills by mail - let banks and utilities pay the postal service. The one thing I have to avoid is thinking how much more money I'd have today if I'd made these changes before. I want to retire sooner than I'd previously planned so a really tight budget with savings now my highest spend has contributed to what I'm doing now.

 

Also, about registering online. Every bank account and credit card I have allows for alerts that let me know about spending over a certain dollar amount, when a balance hits a predetermined level, deposits made, payments received, change in address/email/phone number/address/etc. I think these tools are great towards reducing the risk my accounts have been used by someone else. If I didn't register on line I wouldn't have those.

[gallahadesquire]

I also order just deposit slips for one of my checking accounts, because I rarely write a check on the account, but I get regular paychecks which I need to deposit into it (the payer does not offer direct deposit). And I need slips because I don't have a smartphone, and won't be getting one.

 

How do you actually perform the deposit, Charlie? Do you mail it in or use an ATM? Bank of America doesn't use deposit slips, but you can receive a paper record of the deposit.

[+ friendofsheila]

Thank you to the people to answered my question.

[+ Charlie]

How do you actually perform the deposit, Charlie? Do you mail it in or use an ATM? Bank of America doesn't use deposit slips, but you can receive a paper record of the deposit.

I deposit them---wait for it!---in person to a teller at my bank. How's that for retro?