Frequently Asked Questions

General Ordering Questions:

Questions About Ordering Online:

Questions About Ordering By Mail:

Product and Price Questions:

Photo Product Questions:

Security Questions:

Bank Comparison Questions:

General Ordering Questions:

If changes have taken place at my bank, how can I be sure my new LifeChecks checks will include these updates?

This is a common situation because banks merge and change names frequently these days. If you think changes have occurred with your bank and want to make sure your new checks will be current, simply call our Customer Service Department at 1-888-478-9537. Most likely, we'll have these changes already in our database. If our files do not include your bank's changes, we'll give you easy instructions on how to get an MICR Specification Sheet.

What is an "MICR Specification Sheet"?

An MICR Specification Sheet is a document used to correctly encode checks and deposit slips. It provides the proper numbers and spacing so your checks will scan correctly at your financial institution. Your local bank branch has all the details, and our Customer Service Department can walk you through the process: 1-888-478-9537.

Can I add my driver's license number and/or telephone number to my checks?

On the Personalization Page, use the line marked "Other" in the Check Personalization section to include information in addition to your name and address. For security reasons, we recommend that you avoid from including your driver's license number on your checks. For your protection and due to laws in several states, printing social security numbers on any material to be delivered by mail is no longer permitted.

How do I submit my Order?

Once you have completed the entire ordering process, you will have two options for submitting your order. 1) You may choose to transmit your order online via our secure server. 2) You may print out the Order Form and send it to LifeChecks through the mail.

When will I receive my order?

To find out more about shipping times, view our Shipping Rates & Times page.

Can I check the status of my order?

Yes. You can check on your order by using the Order Status feature of our website, or you can call toll-free 1-888-478-9537.

May I use a coupon?

If you are a first-time customer and you have a printed advertisement with an Offer Code in the coupon section, you may enter that code during checkout to receive the pricing you see in the ad.

Why did I receive only part of my order?

If you ordered more than one item, your shipment may be separated by the postal service and may arrive on different days. This is perfectly normal, and all bulk mail items should arrive within 7 days of each other. Priority Mail shipments should arrive within 3 days of one another.

Are the colors on LifeChecks' website accurate?

Color accuracy has more to do with your monitor than with our site. Due to the wide range of computer monitors and color displays, however, you should consider the colors you see on your screen to be representational. The color of the actual product may be slightly different.Product images are enhanced to show details.

How do I contact LifeChecks?

By mail:
LifeChecks
P.O. Box 1
Joppa, MD 21085-0001
By toll-free phone: 1-888-478-9537
By e-mail: office@lifechecks.com

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Questions About Ordering Online:

I'm having trouble placing my order online; could it be a problem with my computer?

To place an order online with LifeChecks you should use the most recent version of your web browser. Our site is optimized to work best with Internet Explorer 7 and 8 and the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome and Safari. In addition to a newer browser version, ordering online requires certain browser features to be enabled. You must be enabled to accept cookies because we use them to hold information about your order. JavaScript must also be enabled in your browser for you to access functions necessary to place your order. While our site should work in Internet Explorer 6, older versions of Firefox and Safari, and other standards-compliant browsers, we do not guarantee full functionality in any browsers other than those recommended above. If you think the problem is not related to your browser, give us a call and we'll try to help: 1-888-478-9537.

Which browsers will work with the online ordering system?

Our site is optimized to work best with Internet Explorer 7 and 8 and the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome and Safari. In addition to a newer browser version, ordering online requires certain browser features to be enabled. You must be enabled to accept cookies because we use them to hold information about your order. JavaScript must also be enabled in your browser for you to access functions necessary to place your order. While our site should work in Internet Explorer 6, older versions of Firefox and Safari, and other standards-compliant browsers, we do not guarantee full functionality in any browsers other than those recommended above.

How do I pay for my online order?

Orders placed through our online ordering system may be paid for by VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. We will authorize your card for the purchase amount when you place your order online. But we will not actually charge your credit card account until we ship your order.

What if my check imprint address is different from my credit card billing address?

If you have a check in your order, your shipping and billing information will be pre-populated from your check personalization. For security reasons, we require that your shipping and billing addresses be the same when placing an online check order, but these can be edited to be different from your check personalization. All check orders are subject to address verification procedures to ensure against fraud.

How do I know if LifeChecks has received my online order?

You will receive an Order Confirmation Page as soon as you place your order. This will be followed by an e-mail confirming your order immediately after the order transmits to us.

Is it safe to order checks online?

It's absolutely safe to do so with LifeChecks. Our online ordering system protects you on many levels and includes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. Any information you provide to our company is encrypted while in transit. This coding protects you from anyone trying to "hack" in. Every time you write a check, you are, in essence, giving out your checking account details. We take our responsibility for protecting this information quite seriously and have multiple security checkpoints in place from the moment we send your order through delivery of your checks.

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Questions About Ordering By Mail:

What information do I send in to place a new order by mail with LifeChecks?

1. A completed Printable Order Form - use our regular checkout process to generate this form.
2. A voided check from your current supply.
3. A deposit slip from your current supply.
4. A payment check made payable to LifeChecks.

Can I place an order by mail if my account is new and I have only temporary checks?

Yes, ordering with temporary checks is fine so long as you follow these requirements:
1. The voided temporary check and deposit slip samples must be encoded with your bank routing number and account number.
2. The voided temporary check and deposit slip must be original documents (no photocopies).
3. Your payment check must be from the same account as the sample documents.

Is it possible to place an order by mail if I've run out of checks?

Yes, if you provide alternate documents. For security purposes, first-time orders must include a voided check and a payment check from your account. If you've run out of checks, you can get temporary checks from your bank. See requirements above.

May I use a coupon with my mail order?

Yes. Coupons from LifeChecks may be used with orders that are mailed in.

Is it safe to order checks through the mail?

Not only is it safe, buying checks through the mail is much less expensive. Banks and other financial institutions send their check orders to a contract printer, who is usually in another city or state. The printer then produces the checks and mails the order directly to the account holder--which is exactly the service LifeChecks provides, but with no bank in the middle.

Product and Price Questions:

What is the difference between LifeChecks' various check formats?

Our Checks are available in two formats: One-Part and Duplicate. All LifeChecks designs are available in both formats
• One-Part Checks are the most common style single checks that are bound together in a book. There are 125 One-Part checks in each box.
• Duplicate Checks are similar to One-Part Checks with one addition: each check is backed by a carbonless copy. You simply fill out your check as usual, tear it out and you have an automatic copy of the check you just wrote. The instant copy makes keeping records easier than ever. Each box of Duplicates includes 100 checks.

Can I get LifeChecks checks with my Photo ID on them?

At the present time, we do not offer Photo ID checks. However, we implement proven anti-fraud devices such as Security Screen and MicroPrint Signature Line. These are universally recognized security features that all financial institutions can process and support. We do offer photo checks where your photo is the background of your check design.

Why does it matter if I am a First Time Customer or a Reorder Customer?

To introduce First Time Customers to LifeChecks' savings, selection and service, we offer special low introductory pricing on personal checks. After your first order, you become a valued Reorder Customer and are eligible for reorder specials and offers. If you're unsure if you've ordered from LifeChecks before, just call our Customer Service Department toll free: 1-888-478-9537.

Photo Product Questions:

What is resolution?

Resolution determines the quality of your photo. A high-resolution image is clear and shows more detail, so it will reproduce better on your Custom Photo Products. Image resolution is measured in pixels.

What is a pixel?

Pixels are tiny colored dots, which make up any photo. A photo that contains more pixels will remain clear as you increase its size. Your image must be at least 36 dpi (dots per inch) in order to be uploaded.

What are the file size requirements?

There are three size requirements for Custom Photo Products:
1. Pictures must be at least 432 pixels wide and 198 pixels tall.
2. Pictures must be at least 36 dpi (dots per inch)
3. Pictures must be under 4MB in file size

What file types are accepted?

We accept the following file types: .JPG, .JPEG, and .BMP files.

Why won't my photo upload?

Your photo may not upload for the following reasons:
1. The file format is incorrect. The formats allowed for Custom Photo Products are .JPG, .JPEG, and .BMP.
2. The image size is too large or too small.
3. File size is too large. Files must be 4MB or smaller.
4. You do not have Flash Player version 6 or later installed on your computer, which is needed to upload and edit your photograph.

Can all Photo Products be printed in full color?

Yes. If you upload a full color photograph, your products will be printed in full color. Please note that the color on personal checks will be lightened to comply with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standards. This ensures that your checks will meet all bank regulations. If a black and white photo is submitted, your products will be printed in black and white.

Can I get more than one picture printed?

Yes. You can submit up to 4 photos to be printed on your checks with our rotating series. At this time, all other products are limited to one photo per item. We cannot create collages from your photos.

Will you accept professional photographs or photos from magazines or other printed materials?

By submitting your order, you agree to defend and indemnify The Check Gallery from any claims that any person or entity may assert against The Check Gallery for any copyright or trademark infringement.

Can I supply a disk with the photo I wish to use on my Photo Products?

At the present time, orders for photo products are only accepted through our website.

Why are the images on my checks so light?

The image printed on personal checks must be lightened considerably in order to comply with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standards. If we print your checks too dark, your bank could refuse to process them.

What type of photos work best?

Photo checks: Horizontal photos that are clear and sharp work best. Avoid photos that are too dark or too light, out of focus or very busy. Images will be lightend on your checks in order to comply with bank standards.

Photo Address Labels: Horizontal photos work best. Avoid photos that are too busy. Images will be printed at full intensity.

Photo Checkbook Covers & Debit Wallets: Horizontal photos work best. Images will be printed at full intensity.

Are photos saved electronically for reorders or do I have to re-upload my photos for a reorder?

We do save your images for exact reprints. However, if you require any photo changes to your original order, you will need to resubmit your photo. Reorders without changes can be processed through our Quick Reorder process (checks only) or you may call our Customer Service Department toll-free at 1-888-524-3257 to reorder.

If there is a flaw in my photo, can you fix it

We do not touch up photos. So keep in mind, if there are flaws in the original photo, they may be evident in the reproduction. Please edit your photos prior to uploading.

Will my photos be used without my permission?

No. We will not use your photo(s) for any purpose, other than to manufacture your order, without your express written permission.

Security Questions:

What security features for fraud protection will my checks include?

The lock icon to the right of the word "Dollars" indicates the check contains security features to prevent and detect check fraud. Micro-Security Print is very small print that will break up if someone attempts to photocopy your check. The Security Screen on the back of each check signals an "Original Document" from a reproduction. Other features are not disclosed to provide even greater protection. All security features exceed financial industry requirements.

Is it safe to order checks through the mail?

Not only is it safe, buying checks through the mail is much less expensive. Banks and other financial institutions send their check orders to a contract printer, who is usually in another city or state. The printer then produces the checks and mails the order directly to the account holder-which is exactly the service LifeChecks provides, but with no bank in the middle.

Is it safe to order checks online?

It's absolutely safe to do so with LifeChecks. We understand that providing your checking account details and credit card information over the Internet can cause concern. Our online ordering system protects you on many levels and includes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. Any information you provide to our company is encrypted while in transit. This coding protects you from anyone trying to "hack" in. Every time you write a check, you are, in essence, giving out your checking account details. We take our responsibility for protecting this information quite seriously and have multiple security checkpoints in place from the moment we send your order through delivery of your checks.

Bank Comparison Questions:

Is it OK to use checks that aren't produced by my bank?

It is completely safe. Your bank does not produce checks; it simply sends orders to a national check printer. The printer, in turn, produces the checks and sends them to the bank's customers. When you order from LifeChecks, you're ordering directly from the printer-and eliminating the bank's markup. That's why we can offer more earth friendly products for less money.

If I do not order from my bank, can it refuse to process my checks?

No. Your bank cannot refuse your checks no matter where you buy them. Because your bank makes a profit on the orders it forwards to the printer, of course the bank wants your check order. But it cannot refuse your checks. LifeChecks must adhere to the same specifications as printers who produce checks for banks. Our checks meet or exceed all requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Why doesn't my bank's street address appear on my checks?

We follow the specifications established by the American National Standards Institute. These standards require that only the bank's name be displayed.

How can LifeChecks charge less than banks and still produce top quality checks?

Because the bank must contract with an outside printer, the markup over cost must be high enough for the printer and the bank to make a profit. LifeChecks is able to charge less because there's no one in the middle marking up prices. In other words, you're buying your checks directly from the manufacturer.