If you want to print your own checks, you will quickly see the word "MICR". Some people say you must use MICR toner. Others say regular toner works fine. This guide explains what MICR toner is, why it matters, and how to decide what is right for you.
Short answer: MICR toner is recommended. It is the safest choice for checks that will be deposited, and some banks ask for it. Regular toner may work in many cases, but it carries more risk. Your bank has the final word, so ask them.
What is MICR?
MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. It is the line of numbers at the bottom of every check. In the US it uses a special font called E-13B, and it holds three things:
- your bank's 9-digit routing number
- your account number
- the check number
Banks use machines to read this line. MICR toner (for laser printers) and MICR ink (for some inkjet printers) contain iron oxide, a material the machines can read magnetically. Regular toner does not.
Why does MICR toner matter?
Bank machines read the bottom line
When a check is processed, machines read the MICR line to know which bank and which account to take the money from. If the numbers cannot be read, the check may need to be handled by hand, which can cause delays or a rejected check.
Regular toner can fade or rub off
Regular toner may fade or rub off over time. If the bank numbers get damaged, the check can cause problems at the bank. MICR toner is made for this job.
Some banks ask for it
Some banks and businesses ask that checks are printed with MICR toner. If your bank asks, use it.
But don't banks just scan checks now?
Many checks today are processed as images. When you deposit a check with a phone app, for example, the bank works from a picture. Because of this, many people print checks with regular toner and have no problems.
But you cannot always know how your check will travel. The person you pay may deposit it at a branch, at an ATM, or through a business scanner. MICR toner covers all of these cases. That is why it is the recommended choice.
When MICR toner makes the most sense
- You write a lot of checks, for example as a business paying vendors or rent.
- Your bank asks for it.
- A check was rejected or came back because the bottom line could not be read.
- You want peace of mind and do not want to think about it again.
When people often start without it
- You print only a few checks a month.
- You just want to test check printing first.
- Your bank told you regular toner is fine.
If you start with regular toner, watch for any problems, and switch to MICR toner if a check is ever returned.
How to buy MICR toner for your printer
- Find your printer's toner cartridge number. It is on the cartridge itself, in the printer manual, or on the maker's website.
- Search for that cartridge number plus "MICR". MICR versions are made for many popular laser printers, often by companies that specialize in MICR.
- Check that the product page lists your exact printer model.
- Compare page yield, meaning how many pages one cartridge prints. A higher price may print many more checks.
Tip: Some people keep a regular cartridge for everyday printing and swap in the MICR cartridge only when printing checks.
MICR toner usually costs more than regular toner. Prices change often, so compare a few sellers.
Laser or inkjet?
MICR toner is for laser printers, and this is the most common way to print checks at home or in the office. MICR ink cartridges also exist for some inkjet printers, but there are fewer choices. If you are picking a printer for checks, see our guide to the best printer for printing checks.
Getting the MICR line right
The toner is only half of it. The numbers also need to be in the right place and the right size.
- Print at Actual size / 100%. Never use "fit to page", which shrinks the check and moves the MICR line.
- Use the right paper. Print on blank check stock, not regular printer paper. See blank check stock: what to buy.
- Check your bank details. One wrong digit in the routing or account number means the check will not work.
- Have your bank check a sample. Print one check and ask your bank to look at it before you print many.
How Check Snapper handles the MICR line
Check Snapper prints the full check for you on blank check stock, including the MICR bank line with your routing number, account number and check number, plus your signature. You do not need to buy pre-printed checks.
Check numbers are assigned automatically, so the number at the bottom always matches the number at the top, and a number is never handed out twice.
On the print page, Check Snapper reminds you: "E-13B requires MICR toner or ink and bank-approved positioning. Have a sample verified by your bank." We recommend MICR toner, and we recommend that every new user print a sample and show it to their bank.
If you don't want to print at all, Check Snapper can also print and mail the check for you (US addresses only).
Learn more: Can I print my own checks?
The bottom line
MICR toner is the recommended and safest way to print checks, because bank machines read the numbers at the bottom magnetically. Many people do print with regular toner, but it carries more risk. Print a sample, ask your bank, and choose MICR toner if you print checks often or your bank asks for it.
Start free at CheckSnapper.com.