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MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition. In U.S. banking, it usually means the machine-readable line printed near the bottom of a check. Its magnetic-ink characters let automated equipment read key payment details and sort checks.
What does MICR mean on a check?
MICR names both the recognition technology and, in everyday check use, the encoded line that technology reads. The Federal Reserve describes the line as being printed in magnetic ink so the information can be read electronically. On a U.S. check, it appears along the bottom edge.
What information is in the MICR line?
Depending on the check and how it is processed, the line may contain several identifiers and processing details:
- The bank routing number
- The customer’s account number
- The check number
- The amount and other information
These machine-readable details help identify the bank and account involved in a payment. The payee name and date are separate check fields, not part of the MICR line.
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- Check reader can be used to scan a check, read the MICR characters that appear along the bottom, and create an electronic copy
- Integrated slot reads credit, debit, and other magnetic stripe cards; data encrypted for security
- Copies the front and back of a check in a single pass in grayscale at 200 dpi
- USB cable can be plugged into the USB port of a host system (sold separately) to transmit data
- Weighs 2.2 lb.; measures 6 x 3.9 x 8.1 inches (H x W x D)
How does MICR help process checks?
Automated sorting equipment reads the numeric information printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of a check. This lets banks and processing systems handle check information electronically rather than relying on someone to read every identifier by hand.
A paper check does not necessarily remain physically present through every later processing step. In electronic check processing, records can carry the MICR line data along with images of the check’s front and back and electronic endorsements. The Federal Reserve’s Regulation CC distinguishes MICR information on an original paper check, a substitute check, and electronic check records; it references ANSI X9.13, X9.100-140, and X9.100-187 for those formats, respectively. See Regulation CC’s definitions and the Federal Reserve’s Check 21 FAQ.
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- Includes cable PN 22517563
- Made in United state
- Product Type: check Reader
- Package Dimensions: 4.0" L x 4.0" W x 3.0" H
Do you need magnetic ink to print checks?
Only the MICR line must be printed in magnetic ink, according to the Federal Reserve’s Check 21 guidance. Other fields—including the date, payee name, and amount—can be printed in ordinary, non-magnetic ink.
If your check stock has a preprinted MICR line
If the check stock already has the MICR line, the information you add does not need magnetic ink.
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If you print the MICR line yourself
If the stock does not have a preprinted line and you must print it, the Federal Reserve says to print that line in magnetic ink. ASC X9 likewise says MICR ink remains required for machine-readable code lines on checks; check the applicable current standards and processing requirements for technical specifications.
Is MICR the same everywhere?
This explanation covers U.S. check processing. MICR requirements depend on the kind of check record and the applicable U.S. standards; the cited Federal Reserve rules distinguish original checks, substitute checks, and electronic records. The available sources do not establish one universal international format, so do not assume that U.S. check layouts or requirements apply in every country.
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- Magnetic Stripe Reader
- Product Type: Consumer Electronics
- Item Package Dimension: 7.0" L x 4.0" W x 3.0" H
- Item Package Weight: 0.38 lb
Why was MICR introduced, and are checks still used?
Federal Reserve History says adoption of magnetic ink in 1961 and 1962 significantly automated check processing. It reports that MICR initially raised productivity to 33,000 checks per hour per employee, with a later pace of 100,000 checks per hour per employee; the page excerpt does not state a publication year for those throughput figures. The Federal Reserve began requiring magnetic ink in 1967. Read the Federal Reserve History account.
Checks remain part of U.S. payments, though they account for a minority of retail transactions: the Federal Reserve System reports that in 2022 they represented about 5 percent of retail payment transactions and 21 percent of retail transaction value. The Federal Reserve History page provides that context.
Quick Recap
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- Use VersaInk-nano 68 MS MICR Black Ink Cartridges in your inkjet printer to generate 100% bank compliant checks. The bank code line on the bottom of every check is required to be printed with magnetic (MICR) ink to be readable by Magnetic Ink Character Recognition devises (MICR check readers) used at retail and financial outlets everywhere.
- Compatible with magnetic check readers used at Retail stores & banks
- Works with: HP Envy 6152e, 6155e, 6552e, 6555e, 6558. Compatible with magnetic check readers and GOTEST magnetic print detectors.
- New x-wave MICR technology delivers powerful magnetic signal performance (>100% ANSI x9) to exceed compliance with USA & Canadian bank standards and deliver flawless check acceptance everywhere.
- Ultra-crisp Print quality for documents and images. Resists fading, smearing and chemical alterations.
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