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Tuesday, April 22nd
Bank Checks Plus feels a little bit like a secret agent. When we first started looking into this company, it seemed like a standalone business. We found references to it being woman-owned, along with lots of glowing reviews. But, when we went digging for its Better Business Bureau listing (after all, the site proudly says that Bank Checks Plus is BBB-accredited), we thought something looked familiar... Sure enough, the "Contact Us” address tracked to a name we've definitely seen before: Carousel Checks. Got you, Bank Checks Plus. However, we'll still let you know what we found as we evaluated this personal check printer.
Higher prices than related sites
Right away, we noticed that this particular website charges much more than any sites in the Carousel brand family. Here's what we saw on the three personal check designs we used for an apples-to-apples comparison:
Not huge fans of the designs here
We also felt that some of the design options at Bank Checks Plus were a little more... cheesy?... than some of the companies we researched. "In Sexy Marilyn Monroe Style”? "LOL and ROFL”? We're not sure how many total designs there are to choose from here, but we weren't 100% impressed at first glance.
Extras included by default
But, let's assume you find a design and you want to order a box of single checks. What will the process be like? Once you've decided on singles vs. duplicates and the quantity, you'll click through the site and make some decisions. Do you want EZShield Check Fraud Protection? Bank Checks Plus charges a bit extra for it ($4.39 per box, compared with under $4 with most rivals). How about a cardboard box for holding your blank checks? That's an additional $0.66 (a couple cents more than even Carousel charges). We're always a little annoyed when companies default to including those extras, and unfortunately Bank Checks Plus does business that way.
You'll pay more for personalizations here
Even the design upgrades cost more here. You'll pay $3.30 (not $2.50 or $2.99) to use a non-standard font, add a piece of clipart, or put in a signature line message. We're not sure why Bank Checks Plus seems to be putting on a surcharge, even compared with companies in its own brand family, but it is what it is. As you make changes to your personal checks' design, you'll see it update in the window below. And, if you want to add on a checkbook cover or matching address labels, that option will come up during the checkout process too.
Most orders will have shipping/handling fees
Fortunately, there's nothing crazy-different about the shipping at Bank Checks Plus. You can pay $8.95 for trackable/secure/slow shipping (6-10 business days) with DHL, get free bulk delivery via DHL (but it's not secure or trackable), or opt for ground, 2nd day air, or next-day air at varying costs. You can pay $5.50 to save up to two days in processing time, so that your personal checks are printed and out the door a little faster. But, yes, Bank Checks Plus is one of those companies that slides in a little handling fee during checkout; on our order of one box of checks, that fee was $3.99.
Good reputation
Considering the company's reputation, Bank Checks Plus "borrows” the "A+” rating and accreditation that Carousel Checks has with the Better Business Bureau. However, this company can also hold its own, with over 1,000 five-star ratings on Trustpilot specifically for Bank Checks Plus. It was interesting to see one recurring complaint: the address labels are garbage. Fortunately, though, most people have a solid experience with the printer overall, with lots of praise for fast delivery and the ease of getting personal checks ordered here.
Some room for improvement
The selection at Banks Checks Plus didn't really "wow” us, and given that the prices here are higher (for both the checks and the customizations) even than its own "sisters” in the biz, we can't say that this is the most economical choice either. Bank Checks Plus needs to get a bit more in line with the other Carousel imprints to get a higher ranking from us, but it's not the worst choice for ordering personal checks. You just might want to shop around first before using Bank Checks Plus.
Personal checks, despite the rise of digital payments, still hold a valuable place in our financial lives. Ever wondered why people continue to use checks when so many transactions have gone digital? You may be surprised at just how often personal checks prove their usefulness.
First off, checks offer a level of reliability and comfort that some of us just aren't ready to give up. If you've grown up writing checks for rent, bills, or groceries, the process feels familiar and trustworthy. Plus, having that physical piece of paper as a record can be reassuring, especially if you like to keep track of your finances in a tangible way.
Another great thing about checks is the control they give you. When you write a check, you decide when and how the money leaves your account. There's no immediate electronic withdrawal, which can give you a bit of breathing room to make sure everything is in order. This can be a real plus if you're managing your budget carefully and want to avoid any unexpected hits to your bank balance.
Checks are also widely accepted. While it's true that digital payments are common, not everyone accepts them. Small businesses, local service providers, and even some individuals might prefer or only take checks - or they charge extra if you pay with a credit card (DMV, anyone?). In these cases, having a checkbook handy can save you from scrambling to find an alternative payment method.
Just because checks are a little old-fashioned doesn't mean you have to get them the traditional way: ordering checks online is almost always cheaper than getting them through your bank. Plus, these providers tend to give you more options to customize your checks with different styles and security features, so you're not stuck with the basic (boring) designs your bank might offer.
Speaking of styles, personal checks come in a huge variety of designs. Whether you like classic, no-nonsense patterns or want something fun and colorful, there's something for everyone. You can find checks with themes ranging from nature scenes to cute animals, and even get personalized checks with your own photos. It's a great way to add a personal touch to your finances.
When you're ready to order your checks online, here are some things to look for when choosing which company to use:
The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched some of today's most popular options for ordering personal checks online. Use this information to choose the best place to get your checks in a style you love, delivered right to your doorstep!
Select any 2 Personal Check Stores to compare them head to head