MICR Help

What Is Magnetic Ink Character Recognition?

What Is MICR? An acronym for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, MICR is a technology that uses iron-oxide-rich magnetic ink to print financial and routing data on checks and secure business documents. The ‘MICR line’ can be found on the bottom of checks and is read by MICR readers or scanners at financial institutions. MICR was developed to speed up check-processing and is capable of accurately and reliably recording massive amounts of data in a short period of time. MICR Toner is the black magnetic ink used by laser printers to print MICR text on financial documents.
 
Check Printing MICR Line
 
This MICR line is printed using a MICR laser printer. There are two types of MICR printers. The first is a regular laser printer capable of printing with MICR, the second is a modified laser printer equipped with enhanced security and MICR features. The same MICR cartridge can be used in a regular or modified laser printer model. Popular HP, Lexmark, Troy, Canon (as well as many other) laser printer cartridges are available in MICR versions allowing you to start printing checks without the need for further investment.
 
Keep in mind that MICR toners are only available for some laser printing devices and not for inkjet printers. All MICR toners print in black only and cost more than your regular toner. These cartridges undergo extensive testing and quality control to guarantee product performance and reliability.
 
MICR toner cartridges are generally only available from 3rd party manufacturers such as MICR Toner World. Most major brands like HP, Lexmark and Xerox do not produce MICR toner cartridges for their laser printers and multi-functions. At MICR Toner World, we regularly develop new MICR cartridges for your existing printers to make check printing all the more accessible and affordable.
 
What Is MICR? It’s a cost-effective technology that helps financial institutions and businesses share data in a secure, automated and reliable manner.