How to choose a cheque printer

How to choose a cheque printer

If your business wants to start printing cheques you need to find a cheque printer – here’s what to consider when looking for a printer.

Authentication

Cheque printers must be certified and authenticated by the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company. These are the standards to look for:

  • An Accredited Cheque Printer must be certified to ISO27001 and to C&CCC Audit Standard.
  • Cheque Printers are also required to print cheques in accordance with C&CCC Standard 3.1-Automated Processing of Vouchers (Debits), together with C&CCC Standard 3.3 Automated Processing of Vouchers (Technical).
  • Your printer must source base stock from an authenticated supplier. Due to the security measures required for cheque printing, blank cheques for printing are only available from a controlled selection of sources.

Security features

What security features will your printed cheques include? Make sure you have adequate protection against fraud. Features to look for include:

  • Holograms
  • Security ink
  • UV ink
  • Microtext
  • Secure numbering
  • Watermarking
  • Stealth security text

Services required

Not all cheque printers offer the same services. Make sure all the services you may require are available. For example, will you need any of the following services?

  • Cheque books
  • Personalised cheque designs
  • Integration with your current financial software
  • Remote authorisation
  • Electronic signatures

Cheque Printer features

You need a laser printer suitable for infilling cheques. Make sure you research the printers supplied by your cheque printer and if the printer and associated software has the features you require.

Areas to consider include:

  • Printer speed
  • Print quality
  • Maintenance costs
  • Running costs
  • Quality of toner used
  • Reliability
  • Security features like lockable paper draws
  • Ease of use

Training and support

Will your cheque printer provide appropriate training in order to enable your business to securely print cheques? Another area to consider is support, should issues arise, will you be able to quickly access assistance?