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LOL! · 10-12-2013, 08:23 PM

Wow?! People have to pay for checks? When did that happen?

I'd switch banks to one that gives you free checks.

REWahoo · 10-12-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby

So if I went on the Deluxe site and ordered and paid direct instead of out of my bank account, would they be cheaper?

Yes they would be cheaper but no you can't order directly from Deluxe - at least not under the Deluxe label.

The two surviving major check printers, Deluxe and Harland Clarke won't sell direct to the consumer as their primary customers (banks and credit unions) take exception to cutting them out of the fees they collect when account holders to order through the financial institution (see the OP for an example).

To get around this the check companies formed separate direct mail companies selling directly to the consumer. Current = Deluxe and Checks In The Mail = Harland Clarke.

Note than several other companies (Checks Unlimited, 4Checks, etc.) also sell checks directly to the consumer as well as through retail outlets like Walmart and Costco. These companies were created by former employees shed by Deluxe, Harland, Clarke and other mainstream check companies as the industry underwent massive downsizing during the past 15 years.

**Gumby** · 10-13-2013, 06:01 AM

Great information. Thanks.

marc515 · 10-14-2013, 05:25 AM

TD Bank gives up free checks, buy seriously I can't remember the last time we even wrote a check. I embrace the modern technology of online banking.

Khufu · 10-14-2013, 08:47 AM

I use $20 software from this company with blank check stock and print my own checks. Makes changing banks or changing addresses very easy.

Quicken and QuickBooks users CHECKMAGIC saves 70% of the cost of checks

John Galt III · 10-14-2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOL!

Wow?! People have to pay for checks? When did that happen?

I'd switch banks to one that gives you free checks.

Yeah, I thought free checking was very common, too. But my credit union just started to go over to the dark side, and sent us all a notice that there will be no more free checking, even if you have direct deposit, and no matter how much money you have in your account! Luckily I was able to get in a last minute order for 150 more checks (free) so I have a few more years of checks. The CU is also adding a new fee to get paper statements of $2 per month since they are "going green".