Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Check Writing Software.

Ratings

Ease of Installation/Setup

Check writing programs can be ordered through the mail for manual installation or through a direct download from the company's website. A direct download is the easiest form of installation/setup. Regardless of the type of installation, it should be simple and not cause computer errors.

Help/Support

A good check writing software company will provide a user manual/guide, a help menu within the program (embedded help) and a FAQs list from their website. Some programs are simple enough to learn on your own; however, some users may prefer a basic user's guide as a reference. The software company should also respond with answers to emailed questions within a couple of days.

Check Design Features

Check Design Templates

Predetermined design formats that include font style and size and location of check fields.

Customize Font Styles

The program allows the user to change the font style in the check fields.

Add Logos or Graphics

Add personal or company logos, clipart or a background design to a check.

MICR Line

Magnetic ink character recognition. The numbers located along the bottom of a check that include bank routing/transit, account, and check numbers. Financial institutions require checks printed with the MICR line.

Printable Signature

The signature of a bank account holder can be scanned and added to a check for printing.

Personal Checks

Small, wallet-sized checks with less information fields than a business check.

Business Checks

Bigger than personal checks with more information fields such as payee business name and address and sometimes a longer MICR line.

Pre-written Checks

Checks written and printed with all the check information fields filled out.

Blank Checks

Checks printed with the "Pay to the order of" and "amount" fields left blank so they can be filled out manually.

Write Checks with Data from Other Programs

Information from other accounting, bookkeeping or spreadsheet programs can be imported or copied and pasted to the check writing program.

Print Preview

Preview how checks and reports will look before printing.

Password Protected

Program can be setup or is already setup with a required password to protect user information.

Check Writing Supplies

You can purchase supplies like check stock and MICR (magnetic) toner cartridges from the manufacturer's website.

Home Bookkeeping Features

Calculate Current Balance

The program adds and subtracts the dollar amounts of checking transactions, deposits and withdrawals to keep account balances up-to-date.

Multiple Bank Accounts

Write and print checks from different bank accounts.

Compatible with Other Accounting Software

The program will allow imported or copied and pasted information from other accounting, bookkeeping and spreadsheet programs.

Checkbook Register

Record of written and printed checks plus the current account balance.

Search/Find Specific Checks

Locate specific saved checks through check number, name or code.

Check History

Record of all checks entered into the program.

Recurring Payments

The program will setup specific weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly recurring expenses so you don't miss a payment.

Transfer funds between Accounts

Record the transfer of funds between different bank accounts to keep account balances up-to-date.

Comments Assoc. with Check

You can include comments that will be saved with a check but not printed.

Payee Accounts

Name, address and contact information about people or businesses who receive frequent or recurring payments.

Deposit Slips

Create and print a record of deposits.

Expense Reports

Create and/or print a report of monthly or yearly expenses.

Income Reports

Create and/or print a report of monthly or yearly income.

Database Backup

Frequently backup all file information to prevent loss of data.

Embedded Calculator

A virtual calculator within the program to use for quick adding and subtracting.

Tax Reports

Create and/or print a tax report for your accountant.

Small Business Bookkeeping Features

Customer Accounts

Individual customer information that may or may not include all of the following: name, address, contact, sales/work, payments and amount due.

Supplier Accounts

Individual supplier information that may or may not include all of the following: name, address, contact, sales/work, payments and amount due.

Invoices/Sales Receipts

Create and/or print invoices and sales receipts for customers.

Estimates

Create and/or print work and cost estimates for customers.

Overhead Expenses

Record of overall business expenses or job specific expenses.

Employee Information

Name, address, contact, salary and hours worked for each employee.

Inventory

Categorized lists of inventory. Inventory is automatically updated when items are sold or new shipments are added.

Credit Card Transactions

Record of credit card information and transactions.

Profit & Loss Reports

The program will create and/or print a profit and loss report.

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