FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

By following certain rules, you can legally print and deposit "No Signature Required" checks. Presto Checks is encoded with legal verbiage which prints on each check indicating that no signature is required for the check. A clear, accurate MICR prints on the bottom of each check. The check is in the accepted format for bank drafts. In addition to these features which are provided by Presto Checks, you are responsible for providing 1 of 3 validations for the printing and depositing of the check. You must either:

1. Have written consent from the customer for the draft. (Note, Presto Checks does provide an authorization form for this purpose.) OR

2. You must have a recorded consent from the customer for the draft. (This would require you to record phone authorizations.) OR

3. You must send the customer a notice of the draft prior to depositing the draft. A copy of the notice with the sending date should be kept by the depositor. (Receipt of the notice prior to depositing the draft is not required...just sending of the notification.)

Depositors should keep the above record for two years from the date of the draft. The verification must be provided to the bank upon their request. Back to top

What is MICR encoding and does Presto Checks provide this?

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. Presto Checks automatically encodes the bottom of each check with the required MICR encoding. The bank will scan the check when deposited. The special characters in the MICR are recognized by the bank for routing and depositing purposes. Back to top

Plain paper printing vs. check paper printing

While check paper printing is desirable when sending a check through the mail or presenting a check to a business or individual for payment, plain paper printing is practical when the check is printed internally (at the business which will be depositing the check) and deposited in the same business' account. Plain paper printing does not prevent checks from being altered or copied. However, when the check is being printed internally and deposited directly in the printer's account, a concern about alteration or copying should not be an issue. Back to top

Credit card payments vs. Presto Checks

While credit card payments and debit card payments have become common place in today's society, the draw-back to accepting credit cards vs. issuing a Presto Checks draft for funds receivable is the loss of part of the payment due to credit card fees. With Presto Checks, there is no per-check fee; therefore, the funds that are authorized for payment are received in FULL by the payee. This can really add up over a even a short period of time...depending on the rate charged by your credit card company and the amounts processed. Back to top

How can I guarantee checks?

Funds for your checks can be verified by calling the banking institution for the check prior to depositing. While banks will not tell you how much is in the account, they will verify whether the amount you are wishing to draft is currently available in the account. Back to top

Does Presto Checks provide a legal pre-authorization form?

Yes, Presto Checks provides a customized authorization form which will aid the payee in obtaining the needed information and authorization for a one-time payment or recurring payments. This form should be kept on file by the payee for at least 2 years following the last draft on the account. Back to top

What security features does Presto Checks provide?

Presto Checks provides use by two administrators and up to 10 users. The administrators have access to review of the records of all checks printed. Users are limited to viewing only their own past transactions. Secure log-ons are required by all administrators and users when opening the program. Only administrators can add or change user or administrator information. Back to top

Will Presto Checks work on all computers?

Presto Checks is designed to work on computers running the Windows Operating System. Computers with Windows 98/2000/ME/XP/Server 2003 Operating Systems should be able to run the Presto Checks software. It does require that the .NET Framework is installed on the computer as well. While 90% of today's computers with these operating systems already have the .NET Framework installed, if it is missing, installing the .NET Framework can be accomplished by downloading and installing the .NET Framework for free. Click here for free .NET Framework IExpress Setup
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How can Presto Checks improve my business?

There are several new options that will be available to you upon implementing Presto Checks into your business. When calling for payments on accounts, you do not have to settle for "I'll mail you a check today." If a customer is promising to mail a check payment, the payment information can be taken over the phone, the check printed, and the check deposited the same day. For customers who do not have a credit card or who do not have credit available on their card for payment, they have the option of doing a Presto Check drawn on their checking account. For customers who have monthly or periodic scheduled payments due, a pre-authorization can be made with the customer so that a Presto Checks draft can be printed and deposited as scheduled...rather than waiting for the scheduled payments. For regular customers who may have "run out of checks," with the checking account information provided, a Presto Checks draft can be printed for the customer's payment. Having all of these payment options available will help to improve your cash flow. Back to top

What are the steps necessary to print and deposit Presto Checks?

1. Obtain proper authorization. 2. Obtain accurate account information for the draft. 3. Input the account information. 4. Check the print preview of the check for accuracy. 5. Print the check on plain paper (plain colored copy paper with a heavier weight is preferable for durability and recognition). 6. Cut the check below the MICR leaving approximately 1/8" under the MICR (using a paper cutter for cutting is preferable for a straight bottom edge) 7. Stamp or sign the back of the check. 8. Deposit in the account for your business. PRESTO - simple, easy, done. Back to top