Designer Checks

What Designer Checks does

Designer Checks is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce check printer founded in 1992 and operating as a brand under Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc., within the broader Checks Unlimited corporate family. The company manufactures and markets side-tear and top-tear personal checks, desk sets, checkbook covers, and coordinating accessories, with an inventory of 134 check designs across 15 thematic categories (including Classic, Disney, Warner Bros., Patriotic, MLB, Cartoon, Animal, Scenic, Inspirational, Nature, and Photo Checks) and 90+ featured designs supported by licensing agreements with Disney, Warner Bros., MLB, Thomas Kinkade, Harley-Davidson, DC Comics, NASCAR, and several independent artists. Underlying technology consists of MICR-encoded, ANSI-compliant check printing, GlobalSign SSL-secured transactions, and a suite of security features (MicroPrint signature line, Chemical Protection, Erasure Protection, Security Screen back-print) bundled with an optional subscription SentryShield fraud protection service that includes identity restoration and up to $25,000 in advanced funds within 72 hours for verified fraud victims.

The business model is direct-to-consumer e-commerce at consumer-scale unit economics: single boxes of 80 checks are priced at $26.49 (Singles) or $32.49 (Duplicates with carbonless copy paper), with volume discounts up to 23% off on four-box orders and the company advertising up to 40% savings versus bank-provided checks. Micro-transaction add-ons include custom fonts ($2.50), decorative symbols ($2.50), MyLines personalized messages ($2.50), and In-Plant Rush processing ($6.99); SentryShield is the only recurring-revenue overlay. Customers are served exclusively through designerchecks.com, a 1-800 phone line, mail-in order forms, and the Awin affiliate network, all shipping domestically within the United States. The primary customer segment is individual U.S. consumers seeking designer/customized personal checks as an alternative to bank-direct supply, with small-business buyers referred to the sister Checks Unlimited business-checks brand.

Headcount is reported at 1-10 employees, the company is privately held with no disclosed venture funding, and operational scale is anchored by a claimed 9+ million lifetime customers served since founding. There are no AI/ML capabilities, no APIs or SDKs, no mobile applications, no M&A activity, and no disclosed revenue or profitability figures; the company holds BBB accreditation, ANSI certification, and several registered brand marks (SentryShield, MyLines, Side-Tear Converter) plus inbound IP licenses, but no issued patents.

Name

Designer Checks

Legal name

Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc.

Website

https://designerchecks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Designer Checks is a direct-to-consumer e-commerce check printer serving individual U.S. consumers with customizable personal checks and coordinating accessories, leveraging licensed designs from Disney, Warner Bros., MLB, and other brands, and operating as a brand under parent Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Personal Check Printing

NAICS

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers (459), Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Retailers (45942)

SIC

Retail-Misc General Merchandise Stores (5399), Leather & Leather Products (3100)

akta.pro primary industry

Customized & Personalized Fan Gear Retail (CRAMAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Wallets & Cardholders (Small Leather Goods) (CRAAAJAC)

Keywords

• Personal checks printing
• Custom check designs
• Check accessories
• Checkbook covers
• Licensed character checks

Headquarters

HQ city

Anniston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Personal Check Sales: One-time purchase of personal checks sold in boxes of 80 checks. Available in Singles or Duplicates (with carbonless copy). Customers can order 1, 2, or 4 boxes with volume discounts.
2. Check Accessories: Coordinating accessories including checkbook covers, address labels, check registers, address stamps, debit organizers, and deposit slips.
3. Customization Add-ons: Premium charges for custom fonts ($2.50), symbols ($2.50), MyLines personalized messages ($2.50), and In-Plant Rush processing ($6.99).
4. SentryShield Fraud Protection: Optional fraud protection service added during checkout for additional charge, providing identity restoration and check fraud coverage.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Designer Checks designs, manufactures, and sells custom-printed personal checks and coordinating check-related accessories directly to consumers. The core product line includes customizable personal checks in singles or carbonless duplicate formats, with 90+ themed designs (Classic, Disney, Warner Bros., MLB, Harley-Davidson, Thomas Kinkade, Photo Checks). Accessories include checkbook covers, address labels, check registers, address stamps, deposit slips, and debit organizers. Products ship directly to customers after bank information verification.

Product overview

Designer Checks is a direct-to-consumer provider of customizable personal checks and check-related accessories. The core offering consists of personal checks available in singles or duplicate (carbon copy) formats, with standard top-tear and side-tear options. The product portfolio includes over 90 check designs across themed categories (Classic, Disney, Warner Bros., Patriotic, MLB, Cartoon, Animal, Scenic, Inspirational, Nature) plus custom photo checks. Complementary accessories include coordinating checkbook covers, address labels, address stamps, check registers, debit organizers, and deposit slips. Personalization add-ons include custom fonts, decorative symbols, and MyLines messages. An optional SentryShield fraud protection service provides identity restoration and fraud reimbursement up to $25,000. All checks comply with ANSI standards and meet bank processing requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Personal Checks Customizable personal checks printed to ANSI and bank specifications, available in singles (80 per box) or duplicates (with carbonless copy paper) formats, with 90+ designs across 15 themed categories including licensed properties.
• Photo Checks Custom photo checks allowing customers to upload personal photos (JPG or BMP under 4MB) for printing on their checks, with up to 4 photos in rotating series.
• Side Tear Checks Personal checks designed for easy tearing from the left side of the check pad rather than across the top, using Side-Tear Converter format.
• Duplicate Checks Personal checks with carbonless copy paper that automatically imprints a second copy of each check written, for personal record-keeping without manual recording.
• Checkbook Covers Coordinating checkbook covers matching the various check designs, available in multiple styles and materials including leather and metallic finishes.
• Address Labels Self-sticking address labels in sets of 200, designed to coordinate with check designs, measuring 2-5/8" x 5/8".
• Check Registers Record-keeping books for tracking check transactions and account balances.
• Address Stamps Personalized self-inking or pre-inked stamps for addressing mail, coordinating with various check designs.
• Deposit Slips One-part deposit slips printed with the customer's bank account information for recording bank deposits.
• Debit Organizers RFID-blocking leather debit card organizers for managing and protecting debit and credit cards.
• SentryShield Fraud Protection Optional subscription fraud and identity-theft protection service including ID Restoration Pro, fraud protection program, data breach notifications, dedicated Resolution Specialist assistance, and up to $25,000 in advanced funds within 72 hours for check fraud victims.
• Business Checks Business checking checks and desk sets available through the Checks Unlimited sister brand at business.checksunlimited.com, which Designer Checks cross-promotes for small business customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 40% savings vs. bank check prices with 4-box offer
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AwincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAwin provides affiliate tracking, reporting, and payment services for Designer Checks' affiliate program. The partnership enables third-party publishers and affiliates to promote Designer Checks products with up to 20% commission, 60-day cookie length, and up to 25% conversion rates.
• Checks UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigner Checks is part of the Checks Unlimited family of brands. The company cross-promotes business check products through business.checksunlimited.com and encourages affiliates to promote all brands within the Checks Unlimited program.
• GlobalSigncoreTechnology or IntegrationSSL security certificate provider that conducted thorough background check before certifying Designer Checks' secure ordering platform. Provides digital certificate for encrypted transactions.
• DisneycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Frozen, Disney Princess, Winnie the Pooh, Disney Classics, and others for use on checks, address labels, and accessories.
• Warner Bros. EntertainmentcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for Looney Tunes characters (Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo) for use on checks and accessories.
• MLB (Major League Baseball)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for MLB team logos and designs for use on personal check products.
• Thomas KinkadecoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for Thomas Kinkade artwork including Churches by Thomas Kinkade design for checks and accessories.
• Harley-DavidsonminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for Harley-Davidson Live the Legend design for personal check products.
• Turner EntertainmentminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for Scooby-Doo and related characters (trademark of Turner Entertainment Co.).
• Hanna-BarberaminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for Scooby-Doo and related characters (copyright of Hanna-Barbera).
• DC ComicsminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for Justice League characters (Batman, Aquaman, Superman, Flash) for address labels and accessories.
• NASCARminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensing agreement for NASCAR Collections check designs.
• Laura Monahan KohlerminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerArtist licensing agreement for Tiny Spirits artwork on address labels and accessories.
• Connie Haley/Haley Art & DesignminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerArtist licensing agreement for Good Dog watercolor designs.
• Debbie MummminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerArtist licensing agreement for Cabin Fever artwork on address labels and accessories.
• Donna EliasminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerArtist licensing agreement for Great American Lighthouses and Sea Chart Lights designs.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Checks Unlimited: Sister brand under the same parent (Direct Checks Unlimited Sales, Inc.) selling personal and business checks direct-to-consumer; operates the same MICR/ANSI-compliant check printing model with overlapping licensed design portfolios and shared back-office infrastructure.
• Bradford Exchange Checks: Direct-to-consumer personalized check retailer carrying licensed designs (Disney, Warner Bros., NASCAR, etc.) with a comparable catalog structure, reorder model, and accessory upsell; the closest head-to-head competitor to Designer Checks.

Broad incumbents

• Harland Clarke: One of the largest U.S. check printers and financial-supply providers, serving both financial institutions and direct-to-consumer channels; competes on the same category but at vastly larger scale and with a much broader product portfolio beyond checks.
• Deluxe Corporation: Public, century-old check printing and business-services incumbent supplying banks and direct customers with checks, forms, and payment solutions; overlaps with Designer Checks on consumer check ordering but operates at much greater scale across B2B and B2C.
• Vistaprint (Cimpress): Large custom-print-on-demand platform with personalization tools, licensed artwork, and broad consumer reach; competes most directly with Designer Checks' photo-check and customization capabilities and could expand further into financial print products.
• Costco Checks (Costco Business Center): Wholesale club that sells personal and business checks to its members at aggressive price points; competes with Designer Checks primarily on price for the value-oriented shopper rather than on design breadth or licensing.
• Walmart Checks (via third-party partners): Mass-market retailer that offers personalized check ordering through online partners; competes on convenience and price rather than design depth, but reaches a much larger mainstream consumer base than Designer Checks.

Emerging players

• Zazzle: Custom print-on-demand marketplace where third-party designers sell personalized products, including checks and accessories; comparable on the personalization/photo-check mechanic but with a marketplace structure rather than a vertically integrated check specialist.
• Current (mobile banking fintech): Digital banking platform offering check deposit, payments, and account services through mobile apps; not a check printer but represents the secular digital-payment shift that erodes the underlying market Designer Checks serves.
• Shutterfly: Custom photo-print platform (cards, stationery, photo gifts) with consumer photo-upload and personalization infrastructure analogous to Designer Checks' photo checks; potential adjacent competitor or partner for personalized stationery expansion.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/designer-checks-inc-

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Designer Checks