The checks are the paper by which the account holder permits the other person to withdraw the amount that is written over the cheque. The paper cheque is not losing its popularity because of online payment and debit cards.
People get confused between them as the cheques have minor differences between them.
Key Takeaways
- Single checks are individual paper checks, while duplicate checks come with a carbonless copy beneath each check for record-keeping purposes.
- Duplicate checks help prevent fraud and provide an easy way to track transactions, while single checks require manual record-keeping.
- Duplicate checks are slightly more expensive than single checks due to the additional materials used to create carbonless copies.
Single vs Duplicate Checks
Individual checks that are not carbon copies and are used to make a single payment to a recipient are known as single checks. Duplicate checks have a carbon photocopy and are used to maintain track of payments for the check writer, they are commonly used in bookkeeping.
The only drawback of this cheque is that if the cheque is lost or destroyed, then the person doesn’t have any proof of the transaction. The single cheques have the registry at the last of the cheque to note down the number and amount of the transaction.
The duplicate cheque thus helps to keep track of the transactions that took place. In cases of loss or misplaced of the cheque, the person has the details and evidence of the cheque.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Single Checks | Duplicate Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The single checks come with the registry at last and no carbon paper beneath the cheque. | The duplicate cheques are the cheques that come with carbon paper beneath the cheque. |
| Volume | The single cheque is less voluminous as compared to the duplicate checks. | The Duplicate Cheques are voluminous as compared to the duplicate cheques because the carbon paper and a duplicate cheque make the checkbook voluminous. |
| Cost | The cost of the single checks is less expensive. | The duplicate cheques are expensive as compared to the single cheque. |
| Drawback | The drawback of a single cheque is that in case of loss of the cheque the person has no proof of the transaction. | The Checkbook needs a little presence while writing and also the checkbook has fewer cheques because of the volume. |
| Advantage | The advantage of the single checks is that they are less voluminous and no pressure is required during writing a cheque. | The Advantage of the duplicate cheque is that the carbon copy of the cheque helps to keep a track of the transaction and can act as evidence of the traction in case of loss or misplacing of the cheque. |
| Record | The Registry at the last of the checkbook is the only evidence of keeping a track of the transactions. | The carbon copy beneath the cheque is the record of the transaction itself. |
What are Single Checks?
The single cheques are the which are printed over the paper without the carbon paper beneath them. Thus, the cheque has a record-keeping at the last of the chequebook, where the person notes down the details of the cheque along with the cheque number.
A single cheque is good for personal transactions. The single cheque has a disadvantage in that in case of misplacing or loss of the cheque, and the person doesn’t have any evidence about the transactions.
Single cheques are good for personal transactions. The reason is that the personal transaction is not so regular and does not involve very large amounts.
What are Duplicate Checks?
The duplicate cheque is the cheque that comes with carbon paper beneath every cheque. This helps to keep a track record and evidence of the cheque.
The chequebook was found to be more voluminous because of the carbon and an extra cheque. The duplicate cheque also asks the writer to write with force so that the cheque can be duplicated over the other copy of the cheque.
The duplicate cheque yet is found to be more beneficial as compared to the single cheque and used in business transactions. This helps the company keep track of the transaction and, in case of conflict, can be used as evidence.
Main Differences Between Single and Duplicate Checks
- The single cheque record is kept in the registry at the last of the cheque, while the Duplicate cheque does not require this record keeping.
- If a cheque is lost, then there is no evidence left for the person who gave ut via the single cheque, whereas the duplicate cheque does not involve this problem.
- http://www.math.iitb.ac.in/~ashish/workshop/some_issues.0.pdf
- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11128-017-1762-0.pdf
Last Updated : 14 October, 2023
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
While the carbonless copies are advantageous, I find the additional volume of duplicate checks to be an unnecessary hassle.
There are a few advantages to each system, but when writing large checks, a duplicate check can be an added security measure.
The drawbacks and advantages have been made quite clear. I prefer the carbonless copies for personal use.
An interesting topic that highlights an aspect of accounting that is often overlooked. The comparison table is particularly helpful.
I’m convinced that the use of duplicate checks in business transactions is essential. However, the personal use of single checks is also well justified.
The loss of a single check definitely poses a major issue, but I can see the benefits of the duplicate check. A very informative piece.