Ever tried printing your own checks and ended up wasting paper, ink, and time? You’re not alone. Many first-timers and even seasoned business owners mess up check printing—because it’s not just about slapping your logo and bank details on a piece of paper. A slight mistake in layout can cause rejected payments or, worse, open the door to fraud.
So let’s fix that. Below are the 5 most common check layout mistakes people make—and how to avoid them using the cloud-based platform.
Mistake #1: Misaligned Fields
Picture this: you print a check and your payee’s name overlaps with the date or falls outside the box. That’s not just ugly—it can cause rejection at the bank.
What causes it?
Wrong paper size
Poor printer calibration
No preview before printing
Fix it fast:
The platform’s preview tool shows you exactly how your check will look before you hit “print.” Use the drag-and-drop layout editor to adjust any field until everything looks just right.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the MICR Line
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) is that funny-looking line at the bottom of the check. It includes your bank account and routing numbers. Without it—or if it’s blurry—the bank’s systems won’t process the check.
Common issues:
MICR line missing or printed with wrong font
Using inkjet printers with low-quality ink
Poor placement or smudged printing
The smarter way:
With OnlineCheckWriter.com – Powered by Zil Money, you can print checks with MICR line on any standard printer. And since you can link your bank accounts securely from over 22,000 banks in the U.S. and Canada, all your info gets pulled in correctly without manual entry.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Font or Size
Fonts that are too curly, too bold, or too small can confuse automated systems or make your check look suspicious.
Common mess-ups:
Script fonts that look handwritten
Fonts too small to read
Overlapping or bold designs
Pro tip:
The platform gives you pre-designed check templates so you don’t have to guess what works. Just choose top, middle, bottom, or wallet-size format and you’re good to go.
Mistake #4: Skipping the Preview
You wouldn’t send an email without checking it—so why would you print a financial document without a final look?
What could go wrong?
Spelling errors in the name or amount
Date formatting issues
Design elements off-center
Fix:
The cloud-based platform includes a preview screen that lets you double-check every detail—recipient, amount, date, memo, logo, and layout—before printing. This one tiny step can save you from wasting paper, ink, and money.
Mistake #5: Printing on the Wrong Paper
This one’s a classic: you set everything up perfectly but print on the wrong paper. Not only will it look unprofessional, but it may also get flagged at the bank.
What to avoid:
Colored or textured paper
Pre-printed checks with existing layouts
Low-quality printer paper
What to use instead:
Blank check stock from any office supply store works great. OnlineCheckWriter.com -Powered by Zil Money lets you print custom-designed checks right from home or the office on plain white paper too. No need for expensive pre-printed checks.
Mistake‑Proof Workflow: Preview → Print → Protect
Log in and Customize
You can print checks at home or the office. Just log in to OnlineCheckWriter.com – Powered by Zil Money and fill in the check details—payee, amount, date, memo.
Preview Carefully
Before you click “Print,” look at the digital preview. Fields like pay‑to name, amount in words, signature line, date—all must line up inside visible margins. MICR line should show at the bottom, clear and correctly formatted.
Adjust Margins & Layout
Depending on your printer, lightly tweak margins or field positions. If a field creeps off‑page, drag it slightly inward. Preview again.
Print on Blank Stock
Use blank check paper or plain white paper—no pre‑printed bank info is needed. You’ll save up to 80% on printing costs compared to ordering pre‑printed checks!
Store & Reconcile Digitally
Save each check securely in the cloud. OnlineCheckWriter.com – Powered by Zil Money ties into your bank accounts, logs every transaction, and flags suspicious activity. That’s fraud protection built right in.
Mail or ePay
Want to mail the check? Let the service send it for you via USPS or FedEx for $1.25. Prefer paperless? You can send an eCheck at affordable fees. Everything stays neat in one platform.
Mistakes like misaligned fields, missing MICR lines, or wrong font sizes may seem tiny, but they can stop checks dead in their tracks. A quick preview and a small layout tweak using a platform like OnlineCheckWriter.com – Powered by Zil Money can save you time, money, and stress. Simply design your check, preview the layout, adjust margins or fields if needed, and print on blank stock. Save, reconcile, and secure your checks online, then mail or send them with ease. Avoid the top five check-layout mistakes by previewing before you print. With the cloud-based platform, it’s like having your own personal check-printing assistant—simple, safe, and mistake-proof. Your checks will look professional, print perfectly, and stay secure—stress-free check printing at home or the office!
