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The Best Payroll Check-Printing Software For Small Businesses

If your business needs payroll check-printing software, all of these vendors are affordable and easy-to-use options with varying degrees of customization.

    Matt Sherman
  • UPDATED

Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.
Payroll check printing software

You may think that the days of writing or cashing checks are done, but there are still plenty of benefits for small businesses to utilize — or at least offer the option of — physical checks. The best payroll check-printing software should include high-level security features and integrate with top accounting and payroll software programs.

Let’s take a look at our top choices for check-printing software.

Learn More About Our Top Picks

CompanyBest ForNext StepsBest For
Online Check Writer

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  • Best overall check printing software
  • As little as $30 total or $49.99/month
  • Customizable
  • Best overall check printing software
  • As little as $30 total or $49.99/month
  • Customizable

Visit Site

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Checkeeper

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  • Best interface/easiest check-printing software
  • Software is $14.99/month
  • Customizable
  • Best interface/easiest check-printing software
  • Software is $14.99/month
  • Customizable

Visit Site

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CheckBuilderPro

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  • Best software to use with multiple bank accounts
  • Software is $59.95 to download
  • Not customizable
  • Best software to use with multiple bank accounts
  • Software is $59.95 to download
  • Not customizable

Visit Site

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Print Checks Pro

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  • Best check-printing software for Windows
  • Download is $59.95
  • Customizable
  • Best check-printing software for Windows
  • Download is $59.95
  • Customizable

Visit Site

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Print Check Online

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  • Best free check-printing software
  • Free; up to $18/month
  • Not customizable
  • Best free check-printing software
  • Free; up to $18/month
  • Not customizable

Visit Site

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CheckRobot

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  • Most affordable for unlimited printing
  • Software is $6.50/month
  • Not customizable
  • Most affordable for unlimited printing
  • Software is $6.50/month
  • Not customizable

Visit Site

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Gusto

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  • Best payroll software that offers check-printing
  • Starts at $40/month + $6 per person
  • Not customizable
  • Best payroll software that offers check-printing
  • Starts at $40/month + $6 per person
  • Not customizable

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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

The 7 Best Payroll Check-Printing Software

The best payroll check-printing software should be affordable, compatible with your other accounting software, and highly secure, no matter how many checks you plan on printing. Our top picks for excellent check printing software for your small business are Online Check Writer, Checkeeper, CheckBuilderPro, Print Checks Pro, Print Check Online, CheckRobot, and Gusto.

1. Online Check Writer: Best Overall Payroll Check-Printing Software With Add-Ons

Online Check Writer


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Pros

  • Free trial available
  • Print checks from any printer
  • Easy drag-and-drop check design
  • Works with both Windows and Mac

Cons

  • Printing more than five checks requires a subscription

When it comes to an easy-to-use cloud-based software that can have you printing checks in minutes, Online Check Writer is a fantastic choice. And when you add on Online Check Writer's other features, the software becomes the clear winner of this category. It is a favorite for small businesses and government agencies and is rated highly across all platforms boasting an all-in-one payments solution.

If it's just check-printing that you're after, great! But if you want to expand into other payment options, Online Check Writer can help with other things, including digital checks, email checks, check mailing, vendor pay, and same-day ACH transfers with low transaction fees.

When it comes to check-printing, Online Check Writer makes it simple. When you're ready to expand, it's there to help with that, too.

Online Check Writer payroll check-printing software dashboard

Online Check Writer Pricing

Online Check Writer is a subscription service. It has a pay-as-you-go model that starts with a $30 recharge. Other plans for small businesses range from $49.99-$499.99/month. Enterprise-level businesses have custom quotes starting at $999/month.

Online Check Writer Features

Online Check Writer's features include:

  • Check-printing
  • ACH payments
  • eCheck/email check
  • Checks by mail
  • Pay by credit card
  • Bill pay/vendor invoices
  • Check draft
  • Get paid by form
  • Integrates with QuickBooks and Gusto

Is Online Check Writer For You?

If you need to print fewer than five checks per month, you can use Online Check Writer's pay-as-you-go service as an inexpensive check printing option.

If it's just printing checks you're after, then you may not want or need the other payment solutions the company provides. The service could also become expensive if you are just using the check-printing feature. However, Online Check Writer is a solid choice for small businesses looking for an all-in-one payments solution in addition to check-printing.

Get Started With Online Check Writer

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2. Checkeeper: Best interface/easiest check-printing software to use

Checkeeper


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Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Free trial available
  • Print with any paper, printer, or ink
  • Mail checks with one click

Cons

  • Limited reporting options
  • Limited customer support for integrations

Do you need software that prints checks without other bells and whistles? Something with a simple interface that doesn't require special paper or ink? Checkeeper is super easy to use and has a straightforward drag-and-drop interface. It focuses specifically on printing checks, and it does so with ease.

It is affordable, simple, and the best option for small businesses that want to print checks and nothing else.

Checkeeper payroll check-printing software check preview

Checkeeper Pricing

Checkeeper is $14.99/month after a 14-day free trial; the price includes unlimited access to the printing software and Checkeeper's technical support team. Optional check-mailing starts at $1.25 per check mailed.

Checkeeper Features

Checkeeper's features include:

  • Powerful template editor
  • Automated check-mailing
  • Check-printing
  • Batch printing
  • Integrates with FreshBooks, QuickBooks, and Xero
  • Bank-level security

Is Checkeeper For You?

If you need any other payment solution, Checkeeper isn't a good fit, but if it's just printing checks you need, then you can't go wrong with this cloud-based and easy-to-use software.

It can be as easy as putting paper in a printer, creating your check in minutes, and clicking print. Easy, affordable, and singularly focused on printing and mailing checks and nothing else.

Get Started With Checkeeper

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3. CheckBuilderPro: Best check-printing software for use with multiple businesses/bank accounts

CheckBuilderPro


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Pros

  • Works for both Macs/Windows
  • You do not need to link your bank account to use
  • One-time purchase; no subscription fees
  • Unlimited accounts
  • Unlimited check-printing

Cons

  • Only for US Banks
  • Requires special/check-printing paper and MICR ink/toner
  • No telephone support

If the requirement of needing special ink and special check-printing paper isn't automatically a turn-off, then your small business might like the easy-to-use and affordable software CheckBuilderPro.

This service is available to purchase as a one-time download or (for those who still are more comfortable) as a CD-ROM set. Another benefit is that your small business does not need to enter your bank routing information online; you can easily run checks from any number of accounts without hassle.

Reviews on Amazon and other websites say that the support (despite being done 100% via email) is above and beyond. Because there are no limits on the software, it is a huge bargain for businesses running a lot of checks.

CheckBuilderPro payroll check-printing software check

CheckBuilderPro Pricing

CheckBuilderPro costs $59.95 as a one-time download or CD-ROM package. A batch-builder add-on is needed to print batch checks.

CheckBuilderPro Features

CheckBuilderPro's features include:

  • Make personal checks, business checks, deposit slips
  • Have unlimited accounts
  • No subscription fees/monthly fees
  • Print blank or w/payee information
  • Fully customizable checks
  • Custom reports
  • Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero

Is CheckBuilderPro Right For You?

Does your small business need to run a significant number of checks? Possibly even for different businesses or from different accounts? CheckBuilderPro's fantastic software is designed to be a great fit for businesses that need to print various types of checks often and prolifically. It's the most affordable option with the best customizable checks for big jobs.

Get Started With CheckBuilderPro

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Print Checks Pro


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Pros

  • Best for Windows users
  • Easy to use from a mobile app
  • No special ink needed
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Mediocre reviews
  • Special check paper required
  • Dated interface

If you are a Windows user, Print Checks Pro was built with your small business in mind. Print Checks Pro is also one of the only check-printing software that comes with a mobile app. It's these two qualifiers that help boost it into our best-of category. While the mobile reviews aren't fantastic, the company is working on updating and expanding its options -- and most of the complaints are that the service is not free.

Other than that, it is similar to the other products in that it is easy to use and affordable. Its mobile app is clean and simple. Print Checks Pro allows for complete customization and does not require special ink.

Print Checks Pro payroll check-printing software mobile overview

Print Checks Pro Pricing

The Print Checks Pro Deluxe version (both the automatic download and the CD) is $49.99, while the regular Print Checks Pro version is $29.99 (download or CD).

Print Checks Pro Features

Print Checks Pro's features include:

  • Compatible with US and Canadian Banks.
  • Multiple accounts (unlimited)
  • Use blank check stock or Quicken-compatible preprinted business/personal-size checks.
  • Add your business logo, bank logo, and signature images
  • Make your own blank checks
  • Backups are compatible with all PrintCheck versions
  • Share the database between the desktop and mobile versions

Is Print Checks Pro For You?

If you have a small business that's on the hunt for check-printing software that comes with a mobile app, then this is the software for you. For the price and its ease of use, Print Checks Pro is perfect for Windows and mobile users.

Get Started With Print Checks Pro

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Print Check Online


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Pros

  • No downloads/no installations
  • Free use for one payer profile with one free check a day
  • Inexpensive and affordable paid plans

Cons

  • Outdated interface
  • No integrations
  • Customers graduate out of the free plan quickly

For small business owners who do not have the time to hassle with software that requires downloads, installations, and CD-ROMS, there is Print Check Online -- which allows you to enter basic information and print checks straight from your computer in less than a minute.

This free payroll check-printing software option is perfect if you only need to print the occasional check from a single business account. It's easy to set up a free account and begin printing. Print Check Online also has a demo account that allows potential customers to play around with the interface to make sure it's easy and intuitive.
Print Check Online payroll check-printing software editor

Print Check Online Pricing

The free version allows for one profile, one bank account, and one check per day. Other priced plans are the Basic Member ($35/year), which increases the daily check limit to two checks per day; the VIP Member ($10/month), which adds advanced reporting and five checks per day; and the Platinum Member ($18/month), which adds unlimited check-printing.

Print Check Online Features

Print Checks Online's features include:

  • This payroll check-printing software is free for two months
  • Up to 10 bank accounts allowed on Platinum Account
  • Unlimited check printing on Platinum Account
  • Advanced detail reports

Is Print Check Online For You?

If you need bells, whistles, customized graphics, integrations, and a variety of reports, then Print Check Online is not a good fit.

If you want a basic, simple, quick, and easy check-printing interface -- and you don't want to install or download anything -- then you are Print Check Online's perfect customer. This software is great for small businesses that only have to pay a few vendors via check or where check-printing might be a one-off instead of an everyday occurrence. Need to print more than one check per day? The cost to use Print Check Online is still one of the most affordable software options out there.

Get Started With Print Check Online

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6. CheckRobot: Most affordable for unlimited/bulk check-printing

CheckRobot


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Pros

  • No special ink required
  • Free version available
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • No customization
  • No integrations
  • Limited customer support

CheckRobot's pricing structure makes it easily the cheapest and most affordable option for small businesses looking for straightforward check-printing software as a service. That price doesn't come with the ability to customize or integrate with any accounting software, but if check-printing is what you're after, CheckRobot delivers.
CheckRobot payroll check-printing software dashboard

CheckRobot Pricing

CheckRobot is free for up to three checks per month; after that, you will pay $6.50/month. (However, there is a discount if you pay yearly, which drops the price to $4.50/month.)

CheckRobot Features

CheckRobot is not rich with features. It is a simple check-writing and printing interface. You can print checks without special ink. (CheckRobot does suggest printing specifically on check paper.)

Is CheckRobot For You?

Do you need to print a lot of checks per month but don't need to customize those checks or integrate any other software? This is where CheckRobot shines. It is the most affordable option for bulk printing or printing unlimited checks.

Get Started With CheckRobot

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7. Gusto Payroll: Best full payroll software with built-in check-printing

Gusto


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Payroll Processing Time

2-4 Days

Pricing

$40/month + $6/employee to $80/month + $12/employee

Business Size

Small-Medium Businesses (1-650+ Users)

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Great customer support
  • Transparent pricing

Cons

  • Limited reporting
  • The cost to mail checks is slightly higher than other software

Gusto is one of our top-rated payroll software options for small businesses.

It is easy to use for both employers and employees. (We use Gusto here at Merchant Maverick and find the interface intuitive and simple.) Customer service is quick and reliable and is continuously adding on, updating, and improving upon its services.

Gusto also offers check-printing and mailing services. So if you have a small business that wants to put good payroll software front and center, with check-printing as a secondary feature, then Gusto is a perfect option.

Gusto payroll check-printing software check preview

Gusto Pricing

Gusto has three pricing plans for businesses that pay employees and contractors. Gusto’s Simple plan costs $40/month + $6/person per month, and its Plus plan costs $80/month + $12/person per month. Gusto's Premium plan is for growing businesses and uses custom pricing. A fourth pricing plan covers payments for contractors only and starts at $6/month per person.

Gusto Features

Gusto's payroll features at the Plus level include:

  • Time tracking
  • Project tracking
  • eSigning
  • Advanced PTO management
  • Next-day direct deposit
  • Advanced onboarding tools
  • Workforce costing reports
  • Employee directory
  • Multistate payroll
  • Employee management tools
  • Custom reports
  • Customizable templates

Is Gusto For You?

Gusto is a fantastic payroll option for small businesses of any size. If you have one to two employees or 20+ employees, Gusto works with you to customize options that fit best with your company. It also can help facilitate check-printing if you or your employees require that.

Get Started With Gusto

Read our in-depth review

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Which Payroll Check-Printing Software Is Right For Your Business?

If your company still needs to send traditionally printed checks, the good news is that there are still plenty of options available to you.

The first step in figuring out what company to use is to determine your budget and the number of checks you need to print. You might also want to consider if you need additional payroll or accounting services that may come with the software you select. Do you already have an accounting service such as QuickBooks that you’d like to integrate? What are your printing needs? Do you need to know the best places to order business checks online?

Also, double-check the security measures that your company uses to cut down on any potential fraud and decide if you want the ability to print your checks from anywhere.

Once you’ve decided on your priorities, you should be able to winnow down your options fairly easily.

And if you need additional help with accounting or payroll, check out some of our other top choices for affordable payroll software.

Payroll Check-Printing Software FAQs

How do I make payroll checks from home?

Printing payroll checks from home can be as simple as having a printer, paper, and access to the right check-printing software. If you’re only printing a few checks per month, options such as Online Check Writer are a good fit. For small businesses that need to print bulk/batch payroll checks, CheckRobot is a cheap, no-frills choice.

Can software be used to print checks?

Many different types of software are available to help small business owners print checks. Some software is customizable and can accommodate your logos and information; others are simple and basic but inexpensive and easy to use.

How do I make payroll checks online?

If you need to create payroll checks online, you can use any number of payroll check-writing and printing software solutions. Some software might require a download or installation on your computer and may need you to set up your banking and routing information. There are basic websites, too, that will simply print a check without customization or uploading bank information.

What is Online Check Writer?

Online Check Writer is digital check-printing software that offers great customization and integrations with most payroll software (such as QuickBooks, Square, and Gusto).

Can you hand write payroll checks?

Printing a payroll check online with basic paper, ink, and a printer is easy. Some states require a pay stub, so you’ll need to know how to create a pay stub. It’s easy to use online digital software programs, such as Print Check Online or CheckRobot, to print business checks and hand-write payroll checks for your employees.

What type of printer do I need to print payroll checks?

Some payroll check software recommends or requires special paper or ink. Any printer should work, but if you are using special check stock that requires MICR ink, then make sure your ink-jet/laser printer accepts that type of ink.

What printer is best for printing payroll checks?

A MICR laser printer is designed for check-printing. While any printer will work, these are considered the gold standard for check-printing. MICR toner is available at any office supply store or online.

In Summary: The 7 Best Payroll Check-Printing Software

  1. Online Check Writer:
    • Best overall check printing software
    • As little as $30 total or $49.99/month
    • Customizable
  2. Checkeeper:
    • Best interface/easiest check-printing software
    • Software is $14.99/month
    • Customizable
  3. CheckBuilderPro:
    • Best software to use with multiple bank accounts
    • Software is $59.95 to download
    • Not customizable
  4. Print Checks Pro:
    • Best check-printing software for Windows
    • Download is $59.95
    • Customizable
  5. Print Check Online:
    • Best free check-printing software
    • Free; up to $18/month
    • Not customizable
  6. CheckRobot:
    • Most affordable for unlimited printing
    • Software is $6.50/month
    • Not customizable
  7. Gusto:
    • Best payroll software that offers check-printing
    • Starts at $40/month + $6 per person
    • Not customizable
Matt Sherman

Matt Sherman

Expert Analyst & Reviewer at Merchant Maverick
Matt has been helping small businesses make decisions since 2017. He has written reviews and articles across many different channels but specializes in the point of sale, payroll, and small business insurance categories and has been quoted in articles for Fox Business, Forbes, and other publications. Prior to joining Merchant Maverick, Matt was a journalist and editor for 14 years for a pair of weekly newspapers. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon and currently resides in Gladstone, Oregon.
Matt Sherman
View Matt Sherman's professional experience on LinkedIn.

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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.

Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.

Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.

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