CheckMagic
CheckMagic is a specialized check printing software that allows you to print professional, MICR-encoded checks from your existing accounting data onto inexpensive blank check stock to save money.
Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll is an easy-to-use cloud-based software designed to help American small business owners run payroll accurately in minutes with guaranteed calculations and optional full-service tax filing support.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CheckMagic | Patriot Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Website | checkmagic.com | patriotsoftware.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $17/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1993 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Plano, USA | Canton, USA |
Overview
CheckMagic
CheckMagic is a dedicated financial tool designed to simplify your check-writing process by integrating directly with your existing accounting software. Instead of purchasing expensive pre-printed checks for every bank account, you can use this platform to print complete checks—including the bank's MICR line, your logo, and signatures—onto affordable blank check paper. This approach eliminates the need to manage multiple check stocks and reduces the risk of mail fraud by keeping your banking information off unprinted paper.
You can manage an unlimited number of bank accounts and customize each check layout to meet your specific branding needs. The software works as a print driver, meaning it intercepts the print command from programs like Quicken, QuickBooks, or Peachtree and formats the data into a professional document. It is an ideal solution for small to mid-sized businesses and individuals who want to cut administrative costs while maintaining high security standards for their financial transactions.
Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll provides a straightforward way for you to manage your company's payroll without needing an accounting degree. You can choose between a basic plan where you handle your own tax deposits or a full-service option where the platform manages all federal, state, and local tax filings for you. The interface is designed for speed, allowing you to finish a standard payroll run in just three simple steps.
You can easily manage employee direct deposits, print checks, and handle various pay types like commissions and bonuses. The software also includes a free employee portal where your team can view their pay stubs and tax forms independently. It is built specifically for U.S. small businesses with 1 to 500 employees who need a reliable, no-frills solution that keeps them compliant with tax laws.
Overview
CheckMagic Features
- MICR Line Printing Print your own bank routing and account numbers using MICR fonts so your checks are compatible with all automated bank clearing systems.
- Blank Stock Support Use inexpensive blank check paper instead of pre-printed forms to save up to 80% on your ongoing office supply costs.
- Multi-Account Management Manage and print checks for an unlimited number of bank accounts without ever having to swap paper in your printer tray.
- Accounting Integration Connect with popular software like QuickBooks, Quicken, and Sage to pull your payment data automatically without manual data entry.
- Customized Branding Add your company logo and digital signatures to your checks to create a professional appearance for every vendor payment.
- Security Features Protect your financial data by printing checks on demand, ensuring no sensitive banking information is sitting on pre-printed paper.
Patriot Payroll Features
- Three-Step Payroll. Run your entire payroll in just minutes by entering hours, reviewing the totals, and clicking submit.
- Full-Service Tax Filing. Let the experts handle your federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and deposits with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
- Employee Self-Service. Give your team 24/7 access to their own pay stubs, W-2s, and time-off balances through a secure online portal.
- Flexible Payment Options. Choose between free direct deposit or printing your own paper checks at no additional cost to your business.
- Time and Attendance Sync. Connect your payroll directly to integrated time tracking to eliminate manual data entry and reduce human errors.
- Multiple Pay Rates. Manage different pay rates and types for various roles or departments within your company from a single dashboard.
Pricing Comparison
CheckMagic Pricing
- One-time $29.95 purchase
- Unlimited bank accounts
- Works with blank check stock
- MICR font included
- Logo and signature support
- Single user license
- One-time $49.95 purchase
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Support for multiple entities
- Advanced layout customization
- Priority technical support
- Enhanced accounting software sync
Patriot Payroll Pricing
- Setup wizard and free support
- Guaranteed accurate calculations
- Free direct deposit
- Print checks on your own
- Employee self-service portal
- Unlimited payroll runs
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Federal tax filings and deposits
- State tax filings and deposits
- Local tax filings and deposits
- Year-end W-2 and W-3 processing
- Tax filing accuracy guarantee
Pros & Cons
CheckMagic
Pros
- Significant cost savings on check stock
- No recurring monthly subscription fees
- Simple setup with existing accounting tools
- Supports unlimited bank accounts easily
- High level of document security
Cons
- Requires specific MICR toner cartridges
- Interface feels dated and old-fashioned
- Limited to Windows operating systems
- No native mobile application available
Patriot Payroll
Pros
- Extremely intuitive interface that requires no training
- Highly responsive and knowledgeable US-based support
- Very affordable pricing compared to major competitors
- Quick and painless initial setup process
- Reliable and accurate tax calculations every time
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features for larger corporations
- No native mobile app for employers
- Integration options are fewer than enterprise platforms