Checks Unlimited Hidden Fees: What to Watch for at Checkout

The History of Handling Fees

Checks Unlimited has historically faced criticism for handling fees that appeared as surprise charges at checkout. In the past, the listed price for personal checks did not include handling fees, which were added during the checkout process. This led to customer frustration and even a class action lawsuit against Deluxe Corporation (Checks Unlimited's parent company) alleging that shipping and handling fees were deceptive.

The company now states that product prices for personal checks include all applicable handling fees, addressing this concern. However, business check orders still carry a separate $12.50 per-order handling fee applied at checkout.

Current Fee Structure

For personal checks, the listed price now includes handling fees. For business checks, a $12.50 per-order handling fee is added at checkout. Shipping costs vary by method — standard untrackable shipping is often free on personal check orders, while trackable and expedited options cost extra. In-plant rush printing adds an additional fee.

Based on publicly available information, a box of computer business checks listing at approximately $92.44 can reach a total of approximately $124 once the $12.50 handling fee and shipping are added, with no extras selected.

Checkout Add-Ons

Beyond handling and shipping fees, the checkout process may include optional add-ons such as: SentryShield fraud protection, checkbook covers, deposit slips, address labels, and subscription or recurring services. Some publicly available customer feedback has noted that these add-ons can be pre-selected, requiring active opt-out.

This is not technically a 'hidden fee' — the charges are visible in your cart — but they can be easy to miss if you don't review your order carefully. Always scroll through your entire cart before submitting.

How to Avoid Surprise Charges

Review your cart carefully before submitting. Opt out of any pre-selected add-ons you don't want. Choose free standard shipping if you can wait. Compare the total cost (including all fees and shipping) across check printers before ordering. For business checks, factor in the $12.50 handling fee when comparing prices.

Comparing Total Costs Across Check Printers

When comparing check printers, don't just compare the per-box price. Calculate the total cost including: per-box price, handling fees, shipping costs, optional add-ons, and any promo code discounts. Some competitors, like Checkomatic, advertise no handling fees, which can result in a lower total cost even if the per-box price is similar.