A check, which refers to a written order to a bank to pay a stated sum from the drawer’s account, may be in single or duplicate form. The differences between these two are as outlined in this article.
A single check is one of the wide varieties of checks that come in single pages, typically without any duplicate. A transaction made using this check therefore cannot be completed in cases where the check is torn or has been misplaced.
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Comparison chart |
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| Single check | Duplicate check |
| Does not require the use of a carbon paper | Requires the use of a carbon paper |
| Writer does not need to press hard against the paper | Writer has to press hard against the top check to enable duplication |
| No evidence left behind in case of loss of a check | In case of loss of a check, there is evidence left behind on the duplicate copy |
| Its check book is less bulky | Its check book is bulky as a result of the doubled number of pages. |
Table of Contents
What Is A Duplicate Check Vs Single
A duplicate check book is most obviously going to be bulky since each page comes in twos, whereas a single check book is always lighter than the former and is more convenient to carry around. This is probably the reason why mobile business men prefer using single check books.
Whereas a transaction carried out using a duplicate check is considered much safer, that which is transacted using a single check is not very safe, since in case of a dispute or loss of the written check, a complainant may not be able to produce evidence in a court of law when needed.
Another difference crops up in the process of writing these respective checks. When writing a duplicate check, the writer has to apply a little force on the top check if whatever is being written is going to be duplicated on the check underneath. A single check, on the other hand, does not require the application of force as whatever appears on the writing surface is the most important.
In writing a duplicate check, one has to make use of a carbon paper which is the material that enables the duplication of the written content. A single check, on the other hand, does not require the use of a carbon paper since no duplication is required.
What Is a Single Check
When it comes to dealing with a single cheque. It’s considered to be a document through which the user can receive an amount.
You may have observed while using a single check, it only consists of the cheques. Even though the user can successfully transfer money, yet there remains no proof about the time of issuing the cheque. For certain reasons, single cheques are valued more. The small sized companies prefer the affordability of single cheques because you can get a larger quantity of single checks in a box at a lesser price.
What Is a Duplicate Check
So, now you must be thinking what separates the two checks? The different usage of the two sets a major difference. In short, the duplicate check is a featured normal check.
Depending on the size of the transaction, the user needs to decide the check type.
When it comes to monetary transactions, we all get scared of fraud. The biggest decision to make is to go for the safest mode of transaction. To succeed with your purpose of deciding among duplicate vs single cheque. You need to avail a duplicate cheque while dealing with monetary transactions.
Difference Between Single And Duplicate Checks
Single checks are simply a book of original checks that can be filled out and used as needed. Duplicate checks, sometimes also written as “cheque duplicate,” pair each paper check with a thin piece of printed carbon paper that can’t be torn from the pad, unlike the paper check.
The main difference is that the duplicate check is just a carbon copy or duplicate of the check that you’ve written. The details are imprinted on the carbon paper as you write out the top check. The carbon paper remains in the pad. You now have a copy of the paper check that includes all its details, including the date, the amount of the check. The check number and the name of the payee.
The carbon copy can’t be taken to the bank and cashed and can’t remit payment. It’s just a copy of the check intended for your recordkeeping purposes.
You can buy regular checks with your checking account the next time you order checks. Or you can opt to use a single/duplicate check system.
Single Vs Duplicate Checks Reddit
The appearance and information included on a single and duplicate check are the same. The only difference is that duplicate checks are bound with a separate sheet of paper that makes a carbon copy as you write.
Duplicate checks contain your personal and financial information, so they should be disposed of carefully. It’s good practice to shred them, as you would with any other sensitive paperwork. If you have many years of duplicate checks to get rid of, you may want to hire a document disposal company to handle them to ensure that your information is kept private.
Conclusion
The main difference between single and duplicate checks is that duplicate checks create a carbon copy behind each original check. While single checks do not. If you own a small business or make many payments, duplicate checks can be an effective way to keep track of your transactions.