Checks are widely used in modern day financial transactions. In the United States, in addition to the banks, independent check printers are also allowed to print checks. Many banks procure their requirement of checks from independent check printers as it proves to be more cost-effective in the long run. These check printers also sell checks directly to users. A special magnetic ink, or toner, also known as MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) is used to print checks on blank paper. MICR technology uses laser printers that produce magnetic characters that can be easily read by electronic data processing systems.

The MICR line on checks is printed using MICR toner, which is only available for laser printers and a few special dot matrix printers. Inkjet printers are not used for printing checks, as they cannot print using MICR toners. Laser printers are used for single sheet designs, while dot matrix printers are used for continuous form designs.

Users have the choice of buying either the traditional, manual checks or computer-generated checks. Traditional checks are designed in such a way that they can be filled in either by hand or a typewriter. They are arranged three-up on a page or with a carbon strip on the back of each check. Computer generated checks are used with a computer-based accounting program and printer.

Direct sales catalogs, local forms distributors and banking service providers are the primary sources of checks. Direct check vendors sell through catalogs and are suited for low-volume purchases. Local distributors do not print checks themselves. They engage the services of one or more printers for the production of large quantities of specially designed checks. Banks sell checks only to supplement other services.

The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, or Check 21 Act as it is popularly known, allows authorized recipients of a check to convert it to a digital form. An image is captured and a batch file is then transmitted to the Federal Reserve Banks (FRB) for credit.

Most companies that handle their own accounts payable/receivable tasks use laser printed business checks. To enable this process, all that is required is a simple software program to set up laser check printing. Laser business checks are preferred as they convey a professional look.