What is Check Printing

What is Check Printing

Here at Hague, we can print pretty much anything. One thing we can’t print is money, but we can help you with your cheque printing. This blog will explore the evolution of cheque printing, how it works today, the benefits, and the important security features.

But first, let’s get into the history of cheque printing…

The history of cheque printing

The journey of cheques spans over 350 years, originating from the first handwritten English cheque in 1659. Over time, cheque printing has witnessed remarkable advancements.

  • The Introduction of Cheque Printing
    The first printed cheques appeared in 1717 at the Bank of England. These were printed on special paper designed to prevent fraud.
  • Personalisation and Chequebooks
    Personalised cheques were introduced by the Bank of Scotland in 1811, allowing cheques to be printed with individual names. This led to the creation of chequebooks that made cheque writing more efficient and secure.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

The introduction of  Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)  allowed for faster cheque processing. This magnetic ink is used in the numbers at the bottom of the cheque, enabling machines to read and process them at speeds of up to 1,000 cheques per minute.

Standardisation for secure cheque printing

The zenith of cheque usage came in 1990, with 4 billion cheque payments. By 1995, the Cheque and Credit Clearing Association (C&CCC) established industry standards for cheque printing.

Now we have established the evolutionary path of cheque printing, let’s delve into how it actually works in this day and age.

How cheque printing works

At Hague, we provide a secure, efficient, and fully compliant cheque printing solution. Trusted by banks, governments, and global businesses, here’s how we help you print cheques in any currency directly from your office:

  • Step 1: Load File
    Use our PremierCheque software, which integrates seamlessly with your existing financial systems.
  • Step 2: Ensure Template Accuracy
    Create a template using your bank’s format. You can upload the template or scan an existing cheque to replicate the layout.
  • Step 3: Authorisation
    Submit your file for authorisation. With our remote authorisation feature, cheques can be approved anywhere in the world.
  • Step 4: Cheque Printing
    Once authorised, the MICR printer quickly prints your cheques on secure blank cheque stock.

Benefits of Personalised Cheques for Branding

Customised cheques provide much more than a secure payment method—they can enhance your company’s branding and professionalism. Some customisation options include:

  • Colour schemes aligned with your corporate identity
  • Embossed logos for added security and brand recognition
  • Unique cheque layouts to reflect your company’s personality

Personalised cheques are a powerful marketing tool that can build trust and promote your brand.

Secure cheque printing

Cheque fraud is a serious threat, but there are numerous ways to safeguard your cheques. Common fraud tactics include altering cheque amounts or forging signatures. To combat these, Hague provides multiple security features:

  • Holograms: These offer visible protection against tampering.
  • Watermarked Paper: This adds an extra layer of security and ensures you can trace your cheque stock.

Top Security Features for Custom Cheque Printing

  • Numismatic Designs: Add embossed or relief designs to make it impossible for fraudsters to replicate.
  • Micro-Text and Complex Patterns: These intricate designs are difficult to forge and add further protection.
  • Holograms and Security Inks: Combining these features guarantees maximum security for your cheques.

These features not only protect your financial transactions but also promote your company’s branding and help build brand recognition.

Summary

At Hague, we offer secure, efficient, and customisable cheque printing solutions designed to meet your business’s needs. Our solution is ideal for businesses looking to improve their cheque printing processes while saving on costs and enhancing security.

Whether you need personalised cheques or a secure printing system for global use, our team is ready to help.

Fill out our enquiry form today, and we’ll arrange a free consultation to explore how our cheque printing solutions can benefit your business.

Fill in our enquiry form and let us know exactly what you’re looking for. Once we have your details we’ll be in touch to set up a free consultation and discuss your options.

Written by Katie Blagdon