Can I print checks on any printer?

Most printers that print at exact size on Letter paper can print checks. A laser printer with MICR toner available is the most reliable choice.

Is a laser or inkjet printer better for checks?

For most people, a laser printer. Toner does not smear when wet, MICR toner is easier to find, and the cost per page is lower.

Do I need a color printer to print checks?

No. Checks print fine in black. Many check stocks already have a colored security background, so the printer only adds black text.

Can I print checks from my phone?

Yes. In Check Snapper, write the check in your phone's browser, then download or share the PDF and print it to your printer.

Best Printer for Printing Checks (Buyer's Guide)

You don't need a special "check printer" to print your own checks. Most people use a normal office printer, blank check stock and check printing software. But some printers make the job much easier than others.

This guide explains what to look for, so you can pick a printer that prints clean, bank-ready checks for years.

Do you need a special printer for checks?

No. Any good printer that can print at exact size on Letter paper can print a check. What matters most is:

the type of printer (laser or inkjet)
whether MICR toner or ink is sold for it
how well it handles thicker paper
how exactly it places the print on the page

Laser vs inkjet for printing checks

Laser printers (our pick for most people)

A laser printer melts toner onto the paper. For checks, this has real benefits:

Sharp text that does not smear when it gets wet.
MICR toner is widely available for many laser models.
Low cost per page once you own the printer.
Fast, which helps when you print many checks at once.

A basic black-and-white laser printer is enough. Checks do not need color.

Inkjet printers

Inkjets can print checks too, and many homes already own one. The downsides:

Ink can smear if the check gets wet.
MICR ink is sold for fewer inkjet models.
Ink costs more per page.

If you print a check now and then and your bank is fine with it, an inkjet can work. If you print checks often, a laser printer is the better choice.

What to look for in a check printer

1. MICR toner is available for it

The line of numbers at the bottom of a check (the MICR line) is read by bank machines. MICR toner is recommended for printing it. Before you buy a printer, search for its toner cartridge number plus "MICR" and make sure MICR cartridges exist for it. Learn more in Do you need MICR toner?

Tip: MICR toner can cost much more than the printer. Look at the price of the MICR cartridge and its page yield before you choose the printer.

2. It handles heavier paper

Blank check stock is usually a bit thicker than normal paper. Look for:

a printer that supports heavier paper weights in its specs
a "Thick paper" or "Heavy paper" setting in the print driver
a manual feed slot or rear tray, which helps with thicker sheets

3. It prints exactly where it should

A check has to line up with the paper, and the bank numbers have to be in the right spot. A printer that feeds paper straight and evenly gives you the same result every time. Most modern office laser printers are good at this.

4. Letter size and black-and-white are enough

Standard check stock is Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches). You don't need a wide-format or color printer.

5. Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct (nice to have)

If you want to print checks from your phone, a printer with Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi Direct (a direct connection from phone to printer), makes it easy. See how to print a check from your phone.

6. Duplex is not needed

Checks print on one side only, so automatic two-sided printing is not important.

Popular brands

Many people print checks on everyday black-and-white laser printers from brands like Brother and HP. For many of their models, MICR cartridges are made by companies that specialize in MICR toner. Always check that the MICR cartridge lists your exact printer model.

Setting up your printer for checks

Once you have your printer:

Load blank check stock the right way. Each printer feeds differently. Do a test on plain paper first: mark the top of the sheet, print, and see which side and direction come out printed.
Choose the right paper setting, such as "Thick paper", in the print dialog.
Print at Actual size / 100%. Turn off "fit to page" or "shrink to fit".
Print one test check on plain paper and hold it over a sheet of check stock to see if it lines up.
Print a real check and have your bank look at it before you print a big batch.

If the check prints a little off, see our guide on fixing check printing alignment.

Using your printer with Check Snapper

Check Snapper works with the printer you already have. There is nothing to install: it runs in your web browser on a computer or phone. You write the check, and Check Snapper prints the full check on blank check stock, including your bank details, the MICR line and your signature.

Print from a computer: click Print on the print page, set the print dialog to Actual size / 100%, and confirm the check printed OK.
Print from a phone: use Download PDF or Share PDF, then print to your printer.
Print many at once: Bulk Checks lets you create up to 500 checks in one run on supported paid plans.
Fine-tune the position: if your printer places things a bit off, use Printer offset under Customize check layout to move the whole check.

No printer? Check Snapper can print and mail the check for you to US addresses.

The bottom line

The best printer for printing checks for most people is a simple black-and-white laser printer that handles thicker paper and has MICR toner available for it. You do not need a special check printer. Add blank check stock, MICR toner and check printing software, and you are ready.

Start free at CheckSnapper.com.

Best Printer for Printing Checks: What to Look For