Do you need a MICR printer or MICR toner to print checks?
Not always. Many people print their own checks on a regular inkjet or laser printer with check printing software that sets the bank number line correctly. MICR toner or a dedicated MICR printer is a step up for high volumes or when your bank asks for magnetic ink.
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What MICR is, in plain words
Look along the bottom edge of any check. The strip of numbers is the MICR line: your routing number, your account number and the check number, in a special font. Banks use it to sort and process checks. When you print your own checks, that line must be correct and sit in the right place, or the bank may have trouble reading the check.
Two separate questions come up. First, is the line in the right font and position? Check printing software takes care of that. Second, is it printed in magnetic ink? That depends on your printer, your volume and your bank.
Three ways to print the check
A regular inkjet or laser printer
You print the check, including the bank number line, with ordinary ink or toner on blank check stock. The numbers are in the correct font and position, and the check carries the same routing, account and check number as any other.
Fits most small businesses, landlords, churches and individuals who write a modest number of checks.
A laser printer with MICR toner
MICR toner is magnetic toner made for laser printers. It prints the number line in magnetic material, as banks have traditionally used. The toner costs more than regular toner, and it is used with a laser printer that supports it.
Fits higher volumes, or when your bank asks for magnetic ink.
A dedicated MICR printer
These are printers sold for check printing, with MICR toner or ink and often a locked tray or other security features. They are the most expensive option to buy.
Fits businesses that print checks all day, or that want to control who can print them.
How to decide
- Write fewer than a few dozen checks a month? A regular printer and blank check stock is usually enough.
- Print hundreds of checks, or want magnetic ink on every one? Look at a laser printer with MICR toner.
- Unsure what your bank prefers? Ask the bank, since acceptance is the bank's decision.
- Want to control who can print checks? A dedicated MICR printer with a locked tray is built for that.
Whatever you choose, run a test on plain paper first. Check Writer 123 includes a free Test Print that never counts toward your plan, so you can line up the check before real stock goes in the printer. Read what MICR is and why it is used, the check printing supplies checklist, and how to align a check on blank check paper.
What the software handles for you
With check printing software like Check Writer 123, you enter your routing and account numbers once. Every check gets the correct bank number line, the amount in words, the check number and the date, positioned for you. It runs in your browser on Windows, Mac and Chromebook with nothing to install, and prints on any standard printer. Plans start at $9.99 a month with no per-check fee. See online vs desktop check printing software to compare approaches.
Frequently asked questions
What is MICR?
MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. It is the line of numbers along the bottom edge of a check: the routing number, your account number and the check number, in a special font. Banks use it to process checks. It can be printed with magnetic ink or toner, or with ordinary ink in the same font and position.
Do I need MICR toner to print my own checks?
Not always. Many people print checks with a regular printer and ordinary ink or toner on blank check stock. Whether a bank requires magnetic ink is the bank's decision, and practices vary, so ask your bank if you are unsure. If you write a large number of checks or your bank asks for magnetic ink, MICR toner for a laser printer is the usual step up.
Can an inkjet printer print checks?
Yes. Inkjet ink is not magnetic, so an inkjet prints the number line with ordinary ink. Laser printers can use MICR toner if you want magnetic toner. Both work with check printing software, and neither needs an extra program installed when you use a browser-based tool.
How much does MICR toner cost?
MICR toner costs more than standard toner, and prices vary by printer and supplier. Compare the current price for your printer model, and weigh it against how many checks you print. For a few checks a month, ordinary supplies cost less.
What does the software do for the MICR line?
Check Writer 123 generates the bank number line for you from your routing number, account number and check number, and positions it on the check. You add your own bank details once, and every check carries the correct line. A free Test Print on plain paper lets you check alignment before you use real check stock.
Is plain paper or blank check stock better?
Blank check stock is the recommended choice when you will hand or mail a check to someone, because it looks and handles like a bank-issued check. Plain paper is usually best for deposits you make yourself, such as mobile or ATM deposits. Whether a bank accepts a check on plain paper is up to the bank.
Print a test check on the printer you have
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