Customer Service > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

To find the answer to your question, locate your question and click on the category in which it falls. If your question is not listed below, use our Contact page to e-mail us and we will respond promptly to your request.

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General Ordering Questions

• How do I make sure my new Artistic checks will include my bank's current specifications?
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    Changes in banks' names and corporate alliances happen often. If you know your bank has experienced recent changes or if you just want to confirm the current status, call Customer Service at 1-800-243-2577. Your bank's changes will probably already be included in our database. If not, we'll tell you how to get it updated. It's easy.

• Can I include my driver's license number, phone number or other information on my checks?
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    You may include up to 5 lines of personalization on your checks. For security reasons, Artistic Checks recommends that you avoid including your driver's license number or date of birth on your checks. For your protection and due to laws in several states, printing social security numbers on any material to be delivered by mail is no longer permitted.

• How do I submit my Order?
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    You have three options:
    1) Submit your order online via our SECURE server.
    2) Call 1-800-243-2577 to place your order with a customer service representative.
    3) Mail in your order.

• How soon will I receive my order?
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    Please review our Shipping & Handling Rates and Options page for details.

• How do I check my order status?
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    Click here to check the status of your order or call toll-free 1-800-243-2577.

• Is it OK to use an Offer Code?
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    If you have a printed advertisement with an Offer Code, you may enter that code during checkout to receive the pricing you see in the ad. This Offer Code is found in the order form section of your advertisement or brochure, and is located to the left of the subtotal line in a yellow box. Please note, if your account is identified as a reorder customer and you enter a first-time customer Offer Code, you will not be able to redeem the printed offer.

• Why did my items arrive on different days?
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    Because each box of checks and accessory items are packaged separately, it is possible for your items to arrive on different days-even when they're shipped on the same day. All items in your order should arrive within a few days of each other. If they do not, please contact Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-243-2577.

• How do I contact Artistic Checks?
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    The toll-free line for Customer Service is 1-800-243-2577. The department hours are 6:00am-9:00pm (MST) Monday through Friday, 7:00am-5:00pm (MST) Saturday and 8:00am-4:30pm (MST) Sunday.
    
    You can also reach us by mail at:
    Artistic Checks
    P.O. Box 40003
    Colorado Springs, CO 80935-4003
    
    Or you can e-mail us at service@artisticchecks.com.

• Why was my package delivered by the United States Postal Service when I purchased UPS Trackable delivery?
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    Artistic Checks utilizes UPS Surepost. With this service your package is delivered to your destination city by UPS. It is then transferred to your local Post Office carrier for final delivery. Your package is Trackable all the way to your doorstep and can be viewed through UPS.com and USPS.com. For more information on this service visit UPS.com.

Online Ordering Questions

• How to Order Online?
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    1. Select a category from the top navigation tabs (Personal Checks, Accessories, etc.).
    2. Select a design.
    3. Select which products from that design you would like to order (Personal Checks, Checkbook Cover, Accessories, etc.). If ordering checks you must select format and quantity.
    4. Click the "Add to My Order" buton.
    5. You can either proceed to Checkout (by clicking on "Checkout" button) or continue shopping by selecting a category at the top of the page.

• What should I do if my computer is having trouble with the Artistic website?
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    To place an order online with Artistic, you should use the most recent version of your web browser. Our site is optimized to work best with Internet Explorer 8 and 9 and the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome and Safari. In addition to a newer browser version, ordering online requires certain browser features to be enabled. You must be enabled to accept cookies. JavaScript must also be enabled in your browser for you to access functions necessary to place your order. While our site should work in Internet Explorer 7, older versions of Firefox and Safari, and other standards-compliant browsers, we do not guarantee full functionality in any browsers other than those recommended above.

• Will the colors on my screen match the actual products?
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    The accuracy of color depends upon your specific monitor. Due to the wide range of computer monitors and color displays, you should consider the colors you see on your screen to be representational. Product images are enhanced to show details.

• How should I respond to an error message?
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    If you receive an error message, please contact Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-243-2577. Please provide us with as much information as possible about the error message so that we can fix the problem and help you proceed with your order.

• What credit cards does Artistic Checks accept for online orders?
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    We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express for orders placed through our online ordering system. When you place your order online, we will authorize your card for the purchase amount. Until we ship your order, however, we will not actually charge your credit card account.

• Is it acceptable for the address on my checks to differ from my credit card billing address?
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    Yes,if you are ordering checks, your shipping and billing information will be pre-populated from your check personalization but these can be edited.To ensure against fraud, any order that has a different shipping and billing address will be subject to verification.

• Will Artistic notify me when my online order has been received?
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    Yes. You will see an Order Confirmation Page as soon as you place your order. This will be followed by an email confirming your order within 24 hours of placement.

Quick Reorder Questions

• How do I place a Quick Reorder?
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    Click the Quick Reorder button from the navigation bar on our site. On the Order lookup page, enter the routing number and account number printed on your checks, as well as the shipping address zip code used for your last order. That will enable us to retrieve your previous order and display it for you. You may choose to reorder the exact same item as before or make certain changes. For security reasons, we do not display all personalization information from your previous order. However, we will not charge your credit card account until the order has shipped.

• I tried to place a Quick Reorder, but my previous order could not be found.
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    There could be a number of reasons why that happened. Please double check that you entered the correct information. If you are still experiencing problems, please call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-243-2577 or use our regular online ordering process to place your order.

• Why can't I see all of the information from my previous order?
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    As a security measure, your previous personalization, such as home address and bank information, will not be displayed. Reorders will be printed with the exact same personalization as the previous order and will be shipped to the same address as the previous order.

• I want to place a reorder, but would like to pay by credit card. How can I do this?
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    To pay for your order by credit card or have the charges debited directly from your account, you may use either our Quick Reorder or regular online ordering process. To order by phone, call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-243-2577.

• I want to reorder, but I need to make changes to my personalization. How can I do this?
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    To reorder with personalization changes, you must use our regular online ordering process or call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-243-2577.

Ordering By Mail Questions

• To place a new order by mail, what information do I send to Artistic Checks?
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    You need to send in the following items:
    1. A completed Printable Order Form - use our regular checkout process to generate this form.
    2. A voided check and deposit slip from your current supply
    3. A payment check made payable to Artistic Checks
    

• How do I order checks by mail if my account is brand new?
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    Your bank will give you temporary checks when you open a new account. You can send in one temporary check that's voided and one temporary check for payment. Please be sure to send originals that are encoded with your bank's routing number and your account number.

• What do I send in if I've used all my checks?
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    For our customers' protection, first time orders must include a voided check and a payment check from the same account. If you have run out of checks from your current supply, you can get temporary checks from your bank. You can send in one temporary check that's voided and one temporary check for payment. Please be sure to send originals that are encoded with your bank's routing number and your account number.

• May I use a coupon with my mail order?
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    Yes. Coupons from Artistic Checks may be used with orders that are mailed in.

Product and Price Questions

• What check formats does Artistic offer?
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    Artistic produces checks in the following formats: Single Wallet Style, Duplicate Wallet Style, Single Side Tear and Duplicate Side Tear.
    
    Duplicate Wallet Style Checks are similar to Single Wallet Style Checks with one addition: each check is backed by carbonless copy. You simply fill out your check as usual, tear it out and you have an automatic copy of the check you just wrote. The instant copy makes keeping records easier than ever. All designs are available in Duplicate Wallet Style format.
    
    Single Wallet Style Checks are the most traditional style checks that are bound together in a book. All Artistic designs are available in Single Wallet Style format.
    
    Side Tear Checks are bound into books from the left side rather than from the top. Many people find them easier to remove or tear out than traditional Wallet Style checks. Side Tear designs are available in Single and Duplicate format, similar to the Wallet Style checks. Most of Artistic Checks' designs are available in both Wallet Style and Side Tear formats.

• What is the difference between a First Time Customer and a Reorder Customer?
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    To welcome them to the savings and convenience of ordering checks direct, people placing an order for the first time with Artistic receive special low introductory pricing on personal checks. People who have already tried Artistic and are placing a repeat order are valuable Reorder Customers and are eligible for reorder specials and offers. If you're not sure if you've ordered from Artistic Checks in the past, click here to see if you qualify for our first-time customer offer, or call Customer Service toll-free at: 1-800-243-2577.

Photo Upload and Product Questions

• What is resolution?
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    Resolution determines the quality of your photo. A high-resolution image is clear and shows more detail, so it will reproduce better on your Artistic Photo Products. Image resolution is measured in pixels.

• What is a pixel?
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    Pixels are tiny colored dots, which make up any photo. A photo that contains more pixels will remain clear as you increase its size. Your image must be at least 36 dpi (dots per inch) in order to be uploaded.

• What are the file size requirements?
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    There are three size requirements for Artistic Photo Products:
    
    1. Pictures must be at least 432 pixels wide and 198 pixels tall.
    2. Pictures must be at least 36 dpi (dots per inch).
    3. Pictures must be under 4MB in file size.

• What file types are accepted?
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    We accept the following file types: .JPG, .JPEG, and .BMP files.

• Why won't my photo upload?
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    Your photo may not upload for the following reasons:
    
    1. The file format is incorrect. The formats allowed for Artistic Photo Products are .JPG, .JPEG, and .BMP.
    2. The image size is too large or too small.
    3. File size is too large. Files must be 4MB or smaller.
    4. You do not have Flash Player version 6 or later installed on your computer, which is needed to upload and edit your photograph. Click here for Flash Player download.

• Can all Artistic Photo Products be printed in full color?
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    Yes. If you upload a full color photograph, your products will be printed in full color. Please note that the color on personal checks will be lightened to comply with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standards. This ensures that your checks will meet all bank regulations. If a black and white photo is submitted, your products will be printed in black and white.

• Can I get more than one picture printed?
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    Yes. You can submit up to four photos to be printed on your checks with our rotating series. At this time, all other products, except the two photo purse, are limited to one photo per item. We cannot create collages from your photos.

• Will you accept professional photographs or photos from magazines or other printed materials?
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    Artistic Checks cannot reproduce any copyrighted or trademarked images. By submitting your order, you agree to defend and indemnify Artistic Checks from any claims that any person or entity may assert against Artistic Checks for any copyright or trademark infringement.

• Can I supply a disk with the photo I wish to use on my Artistic Photo Products?
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    At the present time, orders for photo products are only accepted through our website.

• Why are the images on my checks so light?
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    The images printed on personal checks must be lightened considerably in order to comply with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standards. If we print your checks too dark, your bank could refuse to process them.

• What type of photos work best?
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    Photo checks: Horizontal photos that are clear and sharp work best. Avoid photos that are too dark or too light, out of focus or very busy. Images will be lightend on your checks in order to comply with bank standards.
    
    Photo Address Labels: Horizontal photos work best. Avoid photos that are too busy. Images will be printed at full intensity.
    
    Photo Checkbook Covers & Purses: Horizontal photos work best. Images will be printed at full intensity.
    

• Are photos saved electronically for reorders or do I have to re-upload my photos for a reorder?
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    We do save your images for exact reprints. However, if you require any photo changes to your original order, you will need to resubmit your photo. Reorders without changes can be processed through our Quick Reorder process (checks only) or you may call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-243-2577.

• If there is a flaw in my photo, can you fix it?
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    We do not touch up photos. So keep in mind, if there are flaws in the original photo, they may be evident in the reproduction. Please edit your photos prior to uploading.

• Will my photos be used without my permission?
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    No. We will not use your photo(s) for any purpose, other than to manufacture your order, without your express written permission.

Security Questions

• What security features for fraud protection will my checks include?
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    The lock icon to the right of the word "Dollars" indicates the check contains security features to prevent and detect check fraud. Some of these features include:
    
    

    • Micro-Security Print, A very small print that will break up if someone attempts to photocopy your check.
    • Chemical Protection and Erasure Protection, produce stains or spots if someone tampers with your check.
    • Security Screen on the back of each check, signals an "Original Document" from a reproduction.
    
    
    

    Other features are not disclosed to provide even greater protection. All security features exceed financial industry requirements.

    
    

• Is it safe to order checks from a source other than my bank?
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    Ordering your checks with Artistic Checks is as safe as ordering from your bank. Your bank does not print their checks. They contract with a large national printer who will print your checks and then mail the order to your residence. With both methods, your checks are sent to you through the mail.

• Is ordering checks online safe?
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    Yes. To maintain the integrity of information exchanged through our online order system, we use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. SSL encrypts your order so it can only be decoded only by Artistic Checks. When ordering Artistic Checks online your information is secure.

Bank Comparison Questions

• Will I have a problem using checks not produced by my bank?
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    No. Actually, your bank does not produce the checks it sells you. Banks take orders and forward them to check printers. The printer produces the checks and them sends them to the account holder. Artistic Checks and anyone else who prints financial products must adhere to very exact specifications. The difference is, when you order from Artistic, you get much more selection for much less money.

• Can the bank refuse to process my Artistic checks?
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    No. Banks cannot refuse to process your checks regardless of where you buy them. Artistic must adhere to the same specifications as printers who produce checks for banks. Our checks meet or exceed all requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

• Why don't you print my bank's street address on my checks?
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    We follow the specifications established by the American National Standards Institute(ANSI). These standards require that the bank's name only be displayed.

• How is Artistic able to provide exclusive designs for less than plain bank checks?
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    Banks contract with printers, so the markup over cost must be high enough for the printer and the bank to make a profit. Artistic designs checks specifically for our customers, and we can charge less because there's no one in the middle marking up prices. In other words, you're buying your checks directly from the manufacturer.