Nothing in the legislation specifies how checks must be designed, but banks have been applying pressure to make scanned copies of checks easily readable. The requests from banks vary—some value security features over scanning ease while others insist checks be easily read by optical devices.
Check distributors are in an unenviable situation when it comes to Check 21. They must alleviate consumers’ fears while trying to make sense of the regulations. On top of this, check security features must be precariously balanced. In many cases, unless a distributor works to stay informed, it is unlikely he or she would notice any serious changes. As Jim Powers, customer service manager at Giraffe Document Solutions, Louisville, Ky., pointed out, “[Check 21] hasn’t had as big an impact as I thought it would. ... Some banks don’t even enforce [the new standards].” Even so, Giraffe has made sure to adjust documents to be in compliance. Specifically, the company has redesigned its void pantograph. The new pantograph utilizes digital, direct-to-plate technology and keeps the pantograph away from areas of interest which might interfere with a bank’s ability to read the scanned version.