tl;dr: Go here if you need to print a check quickly: https://re.filmar.us/checkwriter - it’s completely free, as in beer.
The simple page at https://re.filmar.us/checkwriter allows you to typeset and print your own valid checks, completely for free. I am adding incremental improvements to it and it is a fairly simple piece of work, but it still warrants some explanation.
What you see. When you visit, you see the intended content of the entire web page. The intention is for the entire page to be printed once the check is filled out. At the top of the page is the check face. This is intended to be the info-bearing part of the check. You normally do not fill this part out, but rather let it be filled out automatically.
Be sure to sign the check before sending. While you can print and cut the check out for delivery, I find it more convenient to mail the entire printout, since you have an added “notes” section where you can put additional info that would otherwise not be reflected on a check, such as a list of invoice numbers and their individual amounts.
What to fill out. You should fill out the sections below the check, marked as Payer details, Payee details and Transaction details. As you fill those sections out, the check image will automatically update to reflect the input below. However, if you find any of the auto-updated fields inadequate or incorrect, you can fill the input fields on the check image directly. If you do so, be aware that changing the input fields below might overwrite your direct input.
USA Only. The produced checks are intended for instructing payment to the banks in the USA. Most other countries have moved past paper checks. If you live outside of the USA, chances are you don’t need this at all, so it is not a loss to you.
Field instructions
The instructions below give detail information about all the sections and their individual fields, with explanation on what each is for, how you fill them out and what to expect when you do.
Payer details
This section is about you. I never see your private information, ever.
Check issuer name/address
Fill out your name, address and phone number here. This helps your bank identify you as a customer.
The information you enter here will be reflected on the check face.
Bank name/address
Fill out your bank’s name, address and phone number here.
The information you enter here will be reflected on the check face.
Bank account number
Fill out your bank account number here. Only digits are allowed.
The information you enter here will be reflected on the check face, printed in the special “MICR” font at the check bottom.
Bank routing number
This is the routing number that uniquely identifies your (payer’s) bank. Make sure to fill this out correctly. This can be usually looked up. See an example. Note that check and wire routing numbers for banks can sometimes be different. You want the check routing number.
The information you enter here will be reflected on the check face, printed in the special “MICR” font at the check bottom.
Payee details
This section contains the specifics of the entity you are paying to. This may be a person, but may be a company, a club etc.
Pay to
Fill out the name, address and phone number of the person or company you are paying to.
The information you enter here will be reflected on the check face.
Transaction details
This section contains the details that are specific to the payment you are making.
Check number
In Transaction details, the initial check number is automatically generated based on the date the check is written on. You can edit the check number yourself to a number you want, but be sure to select a number you have not used previously.
Memo
Information entered in this field will appear verbatim in the section “For value received”.
Signature
You may elect to type in your name here. But do not forget to sign the check.
Notes
These are any notes you might want to add to the printed page. The changes here will not be reflected on the check face, but will be printed on the page.
For example you could put the check line items if the check is a single payout for multiple line items.
Printing instructions
The entire page is intended to be printed on a single sheet of paper, and on a single side.
The check is intended to be printed by setting the paper size to “US Letter”, the orientation to “Portrait” and all margins to 0.15in. Not all printers may be able to print this format. I have tested on a HP OfficeJet, which prints the page swimmingly, but your mileage may vary.
If you find printing issues, let me know.
Cashing instructions
The person cashing the check must endorse the check on the back side to ensure it will be cashed by their bank.
Disclaimer
I assume good intentions. Permitted uses of this page are limited to situations in which printed checks are considered legal.
I do not collect personal information. While the page requires you to enter your personal information, none of that information leaves your computer. I don’t ever get to see what you write there, unless you mail to me the resulting check afterwards. The only bit of information that gets sent is a signal to Google traffic analytics. In either case, I don’t get to see any info about you specifically.
I can not make any guarantees. The Checkwriter page is provided as a convenience only. I make absolutely no guarantees that it is adequate for its purpose, or any other guarantee whatsoever. It is up to you to verify and ensure that you can use the Checkwriter page for your purpose.