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Business Checks vs. Personal Checks: What's the Difference?
A personal checking account typically comes with personal checks and a debit card. If, however, you're also doing business as a sole proprietor or limited-liability company (LLC) and are regularly paying for business expenses, you may find it helpful—particularly at tax time—to have a separate business bank account, along with checks that are imprinted with the business name.
Business and personal checks perform the same basic functions, but also have some differences. In this article, we'll explain those similarities and differences so you can make decisions about the use of both types.
What is a personal check?
Personal checks draw against a personal checking account. Many checking accounts offer check-writing capability and a free starter checkbook. After the starter checks are used up, you will be ordering checks and paying for them.
You might write personal checks—or use the associated debit card—to cover a vast range of expenses, such as rent, utilities, groceries, haircuts, manicures and other personal financial transactions.
What is a business check?
Business checks, on the other hand, draw against a business bank account set up for the express purpose of managing cash flow and business operations by receiving income and paying business expenses such as employee payroll, inventory, office supplies and vendors. They are customized with the business name as opposed to an individual.
One difference between a business check and a personal check is who can sign it. Some personal checking accounts are jointly owned by spouses or partners for joint expenses. A business check may be authorized by one or more of the business owners.
Similarities between business and personal checks
As payment methods, however, business and personal checks are more alike than different. Each will contain:
- The name of the payee, whether an individual or a business
- The check number
- The payment amount—in numbers and written out
- The checking account number
- The bank's routing number
- A signature line for any of the authorized signers
- A memo line where the payee's invoice number or the purpose of the check can be recorded
As with personal checks, it's important to keep financial records of business checks in the checkbook itself or in a spreadsheet where all the business owners can see them.
How do I get personal checks?
Most banks partner with a check provider to give customers a wide selection of check styles and security features at a variety of prices. Ordering checks is usually easiest online, but you will need to provide the bank's routing number and your checking account number along with other verifications for enhanced security.
You can also visit a branch or call the bank's toll-free number to order checks.
If you've never ordered checks from a particular bank before, you may be required to call the toll-free number or visit your local branch to verify your identity, avoid error, and protect against check fraud. Checks will be securely mailed to you.
If ordering from a third-party supplier, be sure to review their privacy and security policies, because your bank won't be responsible for fraud, errors, or inaccuracies.
How do I get business checks?
Although you can order business checks directly from third-party suppliers, it's wise to start the process with your bank or personal business banker to ensure accuracy and security.
Can I use personal checks for business transactions?
Personal accounts and business accounts are separate banking products. That said, you could use personal checks to pay for business expenses, particularly if your small business is a sole proprietorship. And you could use funds in a business account to pay for personal expenses. That said, it's important to keep track of the transactions and be sure to pay the business back so as not to confuse your accounting and/or income statements.
TD Bank business and personal checks
At TD Bank, you'll find a wide selection of check styles — plus address labels, checkbook covers, and much more — to suit your personal tastes and budget. We partner with Harland Clarke, a premier provider of secure and easy personal and business check printing.
Here's how to do it:
Log in to Online Banking. Go to Account Options, choose Account Services, and select Order Checks.
You can also place your order by calling us at 800-355-8123 or visiting one of our TD locations.
Prices vary and will be provided at the time you place your order. You may also choose to use additional delivery and tracking services, including overnight shipping. Once you complete your order, charges will automatically be debited from your TD Bank account and your order will be shipped to the address on your account.
For your security, you must call or visit TD Bank to place your order if:
- You're not a TD Bank Online Banking customer
- You have never ordered checks with us before
- There has been a change in your address or personal information
TD Bank will authenticate your identity so Harland Clarke can process future orders from you.
Ordering business checks for the first time or have a change of address? Call us at 800-355-8123 or visit your local TD Bank. Business checks can be reordered from Harland Clarke.