CheckWriter
CheckWriter is a specialized financial software that allows you to create and print legally compliant bank checks instantly from your own desktop using any standard printer and check paper.
PayPal
PayPal is a global digital payments platform providing secure online money transfers, merchant payment processing, and flexible financing solutions for individuals and businesses to manage transactions across borders.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CheckWriter | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Website | checkwriter.com | paypal.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $99/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1996 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Boston, USA | San Jose, USA |
Overview
CheckWriter
CheckWriter provides a straightforward solution for businesses and individuals who need to issue checks without waiting for pre-printed stock from a bank. You can draft, manage, and print professional checks directly from your office, which helps you maintain better control over your cash flow and immediate payment obligations. The system is designed to meet all American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements, ensuring your printed checks are accepted by all financial institutions.
You can also use the software to accept checks over the phone, via fax, or through your website by creating a 'draft' of the customer's check. This capability allows you to receive payments instantly and deposit them the same day. It eliminates the typical 3-5 day waiting period associated with ACH transfers or traditional mail, making it a practical tool for collections, insurance agencies, and retail businesses.
PayPal
PayPal offers a versatile suite of payment solutions that help you send money, accept payments, and manage your business finances globally. Whether you are an online shopper or a business owner, you can link your bank accounts or cards to a secure digital wallet. This allows you to complete purchases without sharing financial details with every merchant, adding a layer of protection to your transactions.
For your business, the platform provides tools to accept credit cards, digital wallets, and local payment methods both online and in person. You can generate professional invoices, set up recurring subscriptions, and access working capital to grow your operations. It scales with you from a side hustle to an enterprise, offering specialized checkout experiences and fraud protection tools to keep your revenue safe and your customers happy.
Overview
CheckWriter Features
- Instant Check Printing Print fully compliant checks immediately using your existing laser or inkjet printer and any standard check paper.
- Check-by-Phone Intake Accept payments over the phone by entering customer details and printing a legal check draft for instant deposit.
- Virtual Terminal Access a secure interface to manage your transactions, view payment history, and organize your digital check records.
- Batch Processing Save time by processing multiple payments at once, allowing you to handle high volumes of transactions efficiently.
- MICR Encoding Ensure your checks pass bank scanners every time with built-in MICR font support for routing and account numbers.
- Signature Digitization Upload and apply your authorized signature to checks automatically to streamline your accounts payable workflow.
PayPal Features
- Smart Payment Buttons. Offer your customers their preferred payment methods like credit cards, Venmo, and PayPal Credit with a single, intelligent integration.
- Professional Invoicing. Create and send customized invoices to your clients so you can get paid faster and track outstanding balances easily.
- Fraud Protection. Monitor your transactions in real-time with AI-driven security tools that help you identify and block fraudulent activity automatically.
- Subscription Management. Set up recurring billing cycles for your services to ensure steady cash flow and a better experience for your members.
- PayPal Zettle POS. Sync your online and offline sales by using mobile card readers to accept in-person payments at your physical store.
- Global Payouts. Send money to employees, freelancers, or vendors in over 200 markets and multiple currencies with just a few clicks.
Pricing Comparison
CheckWriter Pricing
- One-time software license
- Print checks and drafts
- Accept checks by phone/fax
- Works with any printer
- No per-transaction fees
- Basic reporting tools
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Multi-user network support
- Advanced batch importing
- Enhanced security permissions
- Priority technical support
- Custom data export options
PayPal Pricing
- No monthly account fees
- Accept PayPal and Venmo
- Basic fraud protection
- Standard invoicing tools
- Online and in-person checkout
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Keep customers on your site
- Customizable checkout layout
- PCI compliance assistance
- Phone support access
Pros & Cons
CheckWriter
Pros
- Eliminates recurring monthly fees for payment processing
- Checks are accepted by all major US banks
- Simple setup process works with standard printers
- Speeds up collections by bypassing traditional mail
- Reliable MICR line alignment for bank scanning
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS
- Initial learning curve for alignment settings
- Requires manual data entry for basic versions
PayPal
Pros
- High brand recognition increases customer checkout trust
- Extremely fast setup for new e-commerce stores
- No monthly fees for basic merchant accounts
- Excellent mobile app for managing funds anywhere
Cons
- Transaction fees can be higher than competitors
- Customer support response times vary significantly
- Account holds can occur during sudden growth