The four kinds of "free" check software
1. Free trials
Many check-printing services offer 14 to 30 days free, then a monthly fee. Checkeeper, for example, lists a 14-day free trial and then $14.99 a month (checked October 27, 2026). Trials are a fair way to test, but put a reminder in your calendar.
2. Free accounts with per-check fees
Payment platforms often have no monthly fee but charge for each check. OnlineCheckWriter's Pay As You Go plan lists a $0 monthly fee, $1.00 per printed check, $1.00 per emailed check and a $30 minimum recharge (checked October 27, 2026). That is reasonable for a few checks a year and adds up for regular use.
3. Free with a watermark or limits
Some tools let you design checks for free but stamp "SAMPLE" on prints until you pay, or limit you to one bank account. Read the fine print before you enter your bank details.
4. Free templates and spreadsheets
Word or Excel check templates cost nothing, but they rarely position the MICR line correctly, don't include the E-13B font, don't spell the amount in words and keep no register. They are fine for practice and risky for real payments.
What check software needs to do (free or not)
- Print the MICR line correctly. Routing, account and check numbers in the E-13B font, in the exact spot bank scanners read. See MICR ink: do you need it?
- Spell the amount in words automatically, so the legal amount always matches the numbers.
- Align with your check stock, with a test page and offsets for your printer. See our blank check stock guide.
- Keep a register of every check number, payee and amount.
- Protect your bank details. Know where your routing and account numbers are stored.
How the free check works in Quick Check Writer
Open Quick Check Writer in your phone or computer browser. There's nothing to download. Sign in with Google, email or phone, add your bank details (saved only on your device) and fill in a check. Your first check prints clean, with no watermark and no card required. After that you can keep filling in and previewing checks for free; printed and shared checks show "SAMPLE – NOT VALID" until you pick a plan.
Write your first check free
No download and no credit card. Add your bank once, fill in the check, print or share it as a PDF.
Write your first check freePaid plans, if you need more
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 check, no watermark |
| Basic | $1.99/month | Unlimited checks, 1 company / bank account |
| Personal | $2.99/month | Unlimited checks, 2 bank accounts |
| Pro | $4.99/month | Unlimited checks, up to 10 companies / bank accounts, no ads; or $49.99/year |
Every plan prints and shares unlimited checks with no watermark, and you can cancel anytime. Details on the pricing page.
Free software vs. ordering checks from the bank
A box of checks from a bank or check printer often costs $20 to $40 or more, takes days to arrive and works for one account. Printing your own on blank check stock costs a few cents per sheet plus the software, works for any account and lets you print a check the moment you need it. Compare the whole process in how to print checks at home.
Which option should you choose?
- One or two checks a year: a free check plus a per-check service is cheapest.
- A few checks a month: a low flat fee beats per-check pricing quickly. At $1 a check, three checks a month cost more than Quick Check Writer Basic.
- Accounting sync or check mailing: a heavier tool like Checkeeper or OnlineCheckWriter may be worth it. See our Checkeeper and OnlineCheckWriter comparisons.
Want something simple? Read simple check printing software.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free software for printing checks?
It depends on how many checks you write. For a single check, Quick Check Writer prints your first check free with no watermark. For occasional checks, pay-per-check services work; for regular use, a low flat monthly fee is usually cheapest.
How can I print a check for free?
Use check software with a free check or free trial, enter your bank's routing and account numbers, and print on blank check stock with any printer. Quick Check Writer's first check is free with no card needed.
Is there completely free check printing software?
Some templates are free, but they usually lack a correct MICR line and a check register. Most reliable check software is free for a trial or a first check, then charges a small fee.
Can I legally print my own checks?
Yes, for a bank account that belongs to you, using its correct routing and account numbers. Your bank decides whether it accepts a check, so print a test check first.
Related guides
Sources: Checkeeper pricing, checked Oct 27, 2026; OnlineCheckWriter pricing, checked Oct 27, 2026
Last updated October 27, 2026.