When referring to styles of cheques, we first need to breakdown the categories of cheques first. There are three main categories, and within each of those categories there are a few additional options. Each style has its own features and overall look. All cheques must meet or exceed the CPA (Canadian Payments Association) banking standards, and most differences come down to function and aesthetics.
1) Laser/Inkjet Cheques
Laser/Inkjet cheques are normally used with an accounting software system. They are set up to match Quickbooks, SAGE, PC Law or any one of the hundreds of other software systems. Each software will dictate, and in some cases give options, as to where the cheque must positioned on the page. Quickbooks, for example, dictates that the cheque must be on the top third of the page and two cheque stubs below. PC Law on the other hand, dictates that the cheque be in the middle of the page, with one stub above and one below. As for the style of laser/inkjet cheques, you have three main options. The first option is to choose between standard and premium backgrounds. Your next decision is to add a logo (either black & white or colour), and your third possibility is to have a full custom cheque done with colours, images and text that are all fully customized to meet your needs. Styles of these cheques can go from basic to full-meal deal.
2) Manual Cheques
Next we move onto the manual, 2-per page or handwritten cheques. Three different names, same style of cheque. These are the styles of cheques that are filled out by hand, are normally stored in a special 3-ring binder, and have a stub on the left side to document all details of the cheque being written. These too are available with a standard background, black and white logo, colour logo, or a fully custom option that starts from a blank page and builds the cheque of your dreams.
3) Personal Cheques
Lastly, personal-style cheques are wallet sized, have no stub, and do not fit in a binder. They are bound in small booklets that can easily fit in your wallet or purse. Just like the others, there are options, though. This style of cheque is typically for personal use and not for business. Although, some companies do choose this option for their business cheques. Small black & white logos, colour logos and of course fully-custom cheques are all also available with this style.
One thing in common for all three main styles of cheques, is the option to purchase a designer series cheque at close to regular series pricing. Why choose from more than 60 standard design options, when you can just create your very own, by using a custom image for the background of your cheques – all for roughly the same price? Design is all about choice – just start with a basic style of cheque that suits your needs and customize it the way you like it, and you’ll end up with cheques that perfectly suit your style.
- John Kittell, Owner
