MICR Toner Guide: How to Print Your Own Checks

If your business prints its own checks, the toner in your printer matters. The line of numbers along the bottom of every check is read by bank equipment, and that equipment is looking for magnetic ink. This guide explains what MICR toner is, when you need it, and how to print checks that go through the bank without problems.

What is MICR toner?

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. MICR toner looks like normal black laser toner, but it contains iron oxide particles that can be magnetized. When a check runs through a bank’s reader, the machine picks up the magnetic signal from the characters and reads them quickly and reliably.

The MICR line on a U.S. check usually contains three sets of numbers:

• Routing number: identifies your bank.
• Account number: identifies your account.
• Check number: matches the number printed at the top of the check.

These characters are printed in a special font called E-13B, which is the standard in the United States and Canada. Check-printing software normally includes this font.

Do you need MICR toner to print checks?

It depends on what you’re printing.

• You need MICR toner if you print on blank check stock and your software prints the whole check, including the routing and account numbers at the bottom.
• You don’t need MICR toner if you buy checks with the MICR line already printed and only fill in the payee, date, amount, and signature.

Checks printed with regular toner in the MICR line may be misread or rejected by bank equipment. That can mean processing delays, manual handling, or fees from your bank.

What you need to print checks in-house

1. A laser printer. MICR toner is made for laser printers. Check that your model has a MICR cartridge available (see the table below).
2. MICR toner. A MICR cartridge made for your printer model.
3. Check stock. Blank or partly pre-printed security paper made for checks.
4. Check-printing software. Many accounting programs, including QuickBooks, can print checks. Dedicated check-printing software is also available. The software handles the layout and the E-13B font.

Which MICR toner fits my printer?

Find your printer in the left column. Each MICR cartridge page lists every compatible model, so confirm your exact printer before ordering.

Don’t see your printer? Contact us and we’ll help you find the right cartridge.

Tips to avoid rejected checks

• Test with your bank first. Print a few sample checks and ask your bank to review them before you start issuing checks. Banks can have their own requirements.
• Keep the MICR line in the right place. The bottom 5/8 inch of a check is reserved for the MICR line. Keep other text, logos, and signatures out of that strip.
• Use your software’s alignment settings. Print a test page on plain paper and hold it against your check stock to confirm the layout lines up.
• Replace the cartridge before it runs low. Faded or streaky characters give a weak magnetic signal and are harder for bank equipment to read.
• Maintain your printer. A worn fuser or drum can cause smearing or poor toner bonding. Keep the printer clean and replace worn parts.
• Use the correct font. The MICR line must use the E-13B font. Don’t substitute a regular font that looks similar.

Keep your checks secure

• Use security check stock. Features like microprinting, “void” patterns that appear when copied, and chemically sensitive paper make checks harder to alter or copy.
• Lock up blank check stock and your MICR cartridge. Treat them like a checkbook.
• Ask your bank about Positive Pay. This fraud-prevention service compares each check presented for payment against the list of checks you issued.
• Limit who can print checks. Use the permission settings in your accounting software.

MICR toner FAQ

Can I use regular toner to print checks?

Yes, for everything except the MICR line. If your checks come with the MICR line pre-printed, regular toner works for the rest. If you print the MICR line yourself, use MICR toner so bank equipment can read it.

Can I print regular documents with MICR toner?

Yes. MICR toner prints like standard black toner. Because it usually costs more, many offices keep a separate MICR cartridge and swap it in for check runs.

Can I use MICR toner in an inkjet printer?

No. MICR toner is made for laser printers. Inkjet printers need a different product, MICR ink, made for that specific printer.

Will my bank accept checks I print myself?

Most banks accept properly printed checks, but requirements can vary. Ask your bank to review sample checks before you start, especially if you’re switching printers, toner, or check stock.

Does MICR toner cost more than regular toner?

Usually, yes. MICR toner uses special magnetic particles. Compatible and remanufactured MICR cartridges typically cost less than new name-brand ones.

Shop MICR toner

Swift Ink carries compatible and remanufactured MICR toner for many HP LaserJet printers.

Browse MICR toner

HP and LaserJet are trademarks of HP Inc. and are used here only to identify compatible printers. Swift Ink products are not made by, sponsored by, or affiliated with HP Inc. QuickBooks is a trademark of Intuit Inc. This guide is general information; follow your bank’s requirements for printing checks.