Duplicate Checks

A duplicate check, also called a carbonless copy check, is an excellent way to keep track of your expenses when you can't properly balance your checking ledger. Duplicate checks consist of two parts; the first is actual check that you fill out and the second is the underlying piece that retains the information that you filled out. It is a carbonless copy of the information written out on the check but it does not contain any of the characteristics of the actual check so it can not be used as a forgery. If you have more than one person using a business checking account, ordering and using duplicate checks can be an excellent way to keep track of information.

Duplicate checks come in several different formats. The most popular for personal checking accounts is the single duplicate check. These are numbered the same was as regular checks and have an underlying carbonless copy under the original. For business accounts you can order a single styled version or checks that comes three to a page. These are made to fit into a business styled binder and have two ways to document information; a sidebar and the carbonless copy. Regardless of the style or version you order, you are getting a check formatting that allows for perfect bookkeeping of expenditures.

If you are planning on ordering duplicate checks you can do so through your bank or a third party company. Third party companies offer services through the mail as well as online. Both require samples of your present checks and deposit slips, personal information, the specifics you want printed on the duplicate checks and the number you wish to receive. Ordering duplicate checks follows the same process as ordering single copy checks and does not require a longer processing time. If you still have single or duplicate copy checks that you plan on using, please select another numeric sequence to start your new check series to avoid bookkeeping errors when balancing your ledger or if account inquiries are needed.

To get the best price possible, bulk orders of duplicate checks will drop the price to less than half of the standard average price. Most mail order and online websites that offer duplicate checks in bulk quantities require an order of at least three hundred checks to receive special pricing. Storing bulk ordered duplicate checks could be a problem if you have limited office space but they should be stored somewhere that is safe to prevent identity theft and forgery. If you have a safety deposit box at a bank, that is the optimal place to store unused checks until they are needed.

There are pros and cons to single and duplicate checks; the single version checks don't require storage space of the carbonless copies when a checking booklet is completed. The biggest pro for duplicate checks is the ability to instantly see whom a check was made out to, the amount and any information you placed in the memo field. This eliminates having to call your banking institution and the possibility of having to pay for research time for them to look up the specifics of a check.

If you have a company and there is more than one person using the checking account, duplicate checks are a complete necessity. You won't have to hunt down information if someone forgets to fill in the amount of the check or whom it was issued to. This can help with keeping an accurate balance as well as preventing overdrafts and the fees associated with it. Duplicate checks for business or personal use offer check writers an easy to use check reconciliation system and another form of account clarification.