Checks Unlimited vs Deluxe: Understanding the Connection

The Corporate Relationship

Checks Unlimited is a division of Deluxe Corporation, one of the largest and oldest check manufacturers in the United States. Deluxe produces checks under multiple brand names and websites, including Checks Unlimited, Deluxe, and Check Gallery. Though these brands use the same manufacturing facilities, they may present different pricing, shipping costs, and customer experiences.

Understanding this relationship is important for check buyers. It means that checks ordered from Checks Unlimited are manufactured on the same ABA-compliant security paper and by the same company that produces Deluxe-branded checks. The differences lie in branding, pricing, design catalogs, and the consumer-facing website experience.

Manufacturing Quality

Because Checks Unlimited checks are produced by Deluxe Corporation, they benefit from Deluxe's manufacturing infrastructure and quality control. The checks are produced on ABA-compliant security paper with standard security features including chemically reactive paper, watermarks, microprinting, heat-sensitive ink, void pantographs, and UV-reactive fibers.

Pricing Differences

Although Checks Unlimited and Deluxe use the same manufacturing facilities, their pricing may differ. A publicly reported class action lawsuit alleged that Deluxe charged different shipping fees across its brands, with standard shipping on the Checks Unlimited website costing less than on the Deluxe website. The lawsuit alleged that shipping costs across Deluxe brands bore no reasonable relationship to actual delivery costs.

For consumers, the key takeaway is that the same underlying product may be priced differently depending on which brand you order from. It's worth comparing prices across Deluxe's consumer brands before placing an order.

Design Catalogs

Checks Unlimited and Deluxe may offer different design catalogs. Checks Unlimited is positioned as a direct-to-consumer brand with an extensive personal check design catalog (200+ designs). Deluxe, as the parent brand, also offers check products but may focus more on business checks and financial services.

What This Means for Buyers

If you order from Checks Unlimited, you're getting checks manufactured by Deluxe Corporation — a well-established, reputable check manufacturer. The product quality should be consistent with Deluxe's standards. However, pricing, shipping, and the consumer experience may differ from ordering directly from Deluxe. Compare your options across brands to find the best combination of price, design, and service for your needs.