Checks by Design

When was the last time you saw a plain white check? Though they’re theoretically possible, most banks would give you the evil eye if you tried to pass one. Deluxe checks or the cheapest of the cheap, one of the features common to all checks is the fact that they’re decorated with some sort of background design. The design doesn’t have to be exciting or even tasteful, but it does have to be there. Sometimes it’s even one of the security features of the check.

All check manufacturers offer default designs, which are often less expensive than more elaborate decorations. We’ve all seen them: wavy blue lines or speckles seem to predominate. However, unless you’re really old fashioned (or way too frugal) you’re going to want something that reflects your personalities or interests — and if that’s the case, you’ll have to settle for only about a bazillion different options. Think that’ll be enough?

Checking out the options

While you’re unlikely to find Miss October offered as a check design (checks are, after all, public documents), there isn’t much else you won’t find as an option. Banks alone usually offer dozens, if not hundreds, of designs through their affiliated printers. But remember, you’re not required to buy your checks from the bank — you can buy them from anyone, and the bank has to take them as long as a) you have the money in your account, and b) your banking information is printed on them. (Legally, you could write a check on a two-by-four in longhand — but try getting a bank to accept it).

If you can’t have girly checks, at least you can have checks with cars on them — say, that 64½ Ford Mustang you’ve always wanted, or a high-toned Trans-Am. Famous trains are a popular item, too, and if you’re a John Wayne fan, you can always go for checks bearing pictures of the Duke in various poses. Alternately, how about checks featuring scenes from your alma mater, or the logo of your favorite football team? No longer must you hide your abiding love for the Texas Aggies!

It’s great to live in the future

One great side effect of the electronics revolution is the fact that printing is a lot easer now than it used to be. These days, cheap checks offer as many design options and elements as their deluxe cousins. Why, you can even have your favorite photos printed on your checks — so why not dig up the picture of that trophy bass you caught when you were twelve, and send it in?

Another thing that’s really expanded your check design options is the advent of the Internet. Nowadays, you don’t even have to deal with mail order, because you can order personal checks online with a lot less trouble. All you have to do is type in a few lines of information, make a few selections, and pay with your credit card or banking information. In days, your new checks will be winging their way through the U.S. main. As long as you can point and click, there’s no reason why you can’t fulfill your check design dreams — and for a decent price, too.

For a full line of checks by design visit our artistic and designer checks page.