Note on preprinted checks: If this MICR line (bank account number, routing information, etc.) has been preprinted by a check printer and you are only printing payee information and the amount, you don’t need magnetic ink. You will need MICR ink for check printing on inkjet printers, and you will need MICR toner for check printing on laser printers. Without this ink, you open yourself up to security problems, financial risks, not to mention that non-MICR printed checks are likely unreadable to most financial institutions, further resulting in processing delays and fees.
MICR ink or toner is needed specifically for the MICR line – the special numbers at the bottom of checks that include the account number, the bank’s routing number, check number, and other details. The Federal Reserve and all banks require that checks be printed with MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) ink or toner for ease of processing.
