What Is MICR Ink?

MICR is used by banks in many countries to print checks and financial documents.

Most bank checks display a row of numbers at the bottom of the check. These numbers include the checking account number and bank routing number. These numbers and characters are printed using MICR, magnetic ink character recognition.

Purpose

MICR is used by banks in many countries to print checks and financial documents. MICR technology uses magnetically charged ink or toner to print the numbers and characters on the bottom of a check. MICR technology is popular in the banking industry in the U.S. because it allows for quick, reliable check processing.

History

MICR ink was born in the United States, in the 1950s. Demand for fast and accurate check processing had created the need for a mechanized system to process checks. U.S. banks, machine manufacturers and check processors worked together to develop the first MICR ink, the E-13B MICR. It was adopted by the American Bankers Association in 1958.

Technology

E13-B MICR information is still used today by clearing houses, retailers using barcode technology and banks in the U.S. and other countries. After a check is deposited using MICR ink or toner, it is processed through a reader-sorter machine. The machine reads information about the check including the account number, bank information and other transaction codes.

Different Format

Some countries use a different format for MICR printing, the CMC-7 font. CMC-7 MICR format was developed in France. Today, France, Spain, Israel and most of South America use CMC-7 MICR format.

References

• Troy Group: MICR
• Nebraska: FAQ: How Do I Locate My Bank Routing Number and Checking Account Number?
• Barcode Resource: MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition)