The Importance of MICR Check Printing in 2024

If you work in the financial industry – banks, accounts payable, you probably know what MICR is, but then again, you might not. 

The release of the Check 21 Act in 2004 made it OK for paper checks to be converted into digital images and used in B2B transactions, so the role of MICR might not be as well known. However, MICR has not gone away. Even with The Check 21 Act, you still need MICR on your checks. But what exactly is MICR? Is it just one part of the check? Is it included in the whole check?  

In this blog post, we’ll go into detail of the many different aspects of MICR, the crucial aspects of MICR check printing, and how TROY can help.  

What is MICR? 

• MICR toner:  MICR toner is the actual type of toner or ink used to print a check. Banking machines can read this type of toner because of its magnetic properties. The ABA, ANSI, and CPA require the use of MICR on all checks to avoid manual processing and data entry. If you do not print a check with MICR toner or MICR ink, it can reject it and your business may incur penalties.  

• MICR line: The MICR line refers to the accounting and routing numbers that appear at the bottom of a check. You must print the MICR line on the check using MICR toner or MICR ink.  

• MICR fonts: MICR fonts are special fonts used for printing accounting and routing numbers in the MICR line. Similar to MICR toner and ink, the MICR font is distinct and readable by machines, and individuals must use it on every check. 

Is MICR still required in 2024?

MICR and check printing refer to and work together with all of these elements, and in 2024, MICR still requires. Even though Check 21 enables digital check transactions, the check still requires MICR to be considered a "cash item." Banking machines scan the MICR line and amount. This is done for a company's AR department. The purpose is to match and apply the cash to the right invoices. In larger companies, reading and scanning this information correctly is paramount. 



Regardless of company size, secure check printing is necessary for B2B transactions. 40% of companies still use checks to pay their vendors, which is a pretty large percentage for a world that’s moving towards digital. 



The auto industry uses checks to buy cars from customers. Insurance companies use checks to approve claims. Governments and payroll departments also use checks. The checks used by all of these industries require MICR toner, a correctly positioned MICR line, and MICR fonts.  

Importance of MICR Check Printing: 

• Automated Processing: With the use of MICR technology, checks can be processed quickly and accurately through automated systems. This not only reduces the time and effort required for manual handling but also minimizes the chances of errors that can occur in manual data entry. 
  
  
  
• Accuracy and Efficiency: The standardized encoding of information in MICR characters ensures a high level of accuracy in check processing. This, in turn, enhances overall efficiency in the banking and financial system, reducing the likelihood of errors and streamlining the check clearance process. 

• Compliance with Industry Standards: Many financial institutions and businesses adhere to industry standards that mandate the use of MICR technology for check printing. Compliance with these standards is essential for seamless integration into the broader financial network, allowing for smooth check processing and transaction flows. 

Is MICR Secure on its own?  

Other than what MICR is and if it's still required, there is one major misconception of MICR ink that still exists: is it secure? The answer is no.  


While MICR uses magnetic ink and is a requirement for checks, it does not protect against check fraud. MICR ink itself does not contain any properties that make it impervious to fraud schemes like check washing, a technique in which fraudsters will wash off the amount and the accounting and routing numbers and alter the check to go right into their own bank accounts.  


With cases of check fraud skyrocketing from 350,000 to 680,000 from 2021 to 2022, protecting your checks from these schemes is crucial.  

TROY’s suite of MICR security solutions 

• MICR Toner Secure: TROY’s patented MICR Toner Secure will protect your checks from fraud by releasing a red dye whenever any type of alteration is attempted. TROY MICR Toner Secure not only meets the banking requirements but exceeds them with high adhesion, allowing for high readability and low risk for toner scraping. 

• TROY HP MICR Check printers: TROY’s 30 year OEM partnership with HP makes TROY the only company authorized to enhance standard HP LaserJet printers with features needed to print MICR on checks, like exact positioning technology so the MICR line is always printed accurately and in position, toner sensing to ensure you're always printing with MICR, paper tray locks so physical paper theft is impossible, plus more.  

• MICR fonts: TROY makes it easy for you to add high-quality MICR printing capabilities to your existing HP LaserJet printer. With the addition of our fonts to your current HP printer, you will have the ability to print MICR fonts, and many additional fonts all from one device. When it comes to reliable check printing, TROY offers the only solution to consider. Our fonts will allow for the ability to print checks in one easy step. 

Choose TROY’s MICR Solutions 

In a world where financial transactions are constantly evolving, the importance of MICR check printing cannot be overstated. The use of magnetic ink and standardized fonts enhances security, prevents fraud, and facilitates the efficient processing of checks. Whether you are an individual or a business involved in check transactions, embracing MICR technology is a crucial step toward ensuring the integrity and reliability of your financial dealings. With TROY’s end-to-end solution for MICR check printing, printing secure checks for your business can be easy and streamlined, giving you peace of mind that your checks are safe and above banking standards.

Visit our site to explore our full range of security solutions here.