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What Is Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)?

Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) lets specialized readers detect printed characters from magnetic signals. On checks, it makes the identifying line near the bottom machine-readable.
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Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) is a way to print characters with magnetic ink or toner so a specialized reader can detect them by their magnetic signals. On checks, MICR is the machine-readable line near the bottom that carries identifying numbers; it is not just a distinctive-looking font.

What MICR means on a check

A U.S. check’s MICR line commonly contains routing and account numbers, and may also contain the check number, amount, or other information. The exact fields and their arrangement depend on the applicable rules and document layout. U.S. law describes the possible information in that line; it should not be assumed to describe check layouts everywhere. See the U.S. statutory definition and the Federal Reserve’s Check 21 FAQ.

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How MICR reading works

A MICR reader/sorter passes the printed line through an electronic field, which magnetizes the characters and symbols. Sensors detect the resulting magnetic wave patterns, and the system interprets and captures the data to route the document for processing. This is magnetic sensing, rather than optical character recognition, which reads visual patterns.

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MICR does not guarantee that every line will be read successfully. The Reserve Bank of India’s MICR code guidelines describe unreadable data from defective printing or encoding being sent to a reject pocket for manual completion.

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MICR Toner International Compatible MICR Toner Cartridge Replacement for HP CF226A 26A M402dn M402n M402dw M426fdn M426fdw
  • 【MICR TONER】MTI Compatible HP 26A CF226A HP 26X CF226X MICR toner cartridge for printing personal, business and payroll checks
  • 【HIGH QUALITY】1 MTI Compatible HP 26A CF226A MICR toner cartridge with superior magnetic ink for universal bank acceptance
  • 【YIELD】Standard Yield: 3.1k pages based on 5% coverage; prints 9.3k checks @ 3 per page. For added security, use with secure blank check paper and accounting software such as Quickbooks, Quicken or Checksoft
  • 【PRINTERS】For use in HP LJ Pro Printers: M402 M402d M402dn M402dne M402dw M402n M426 MFP M426dw M426fdn M426fdw
  • 🛡️ LIFETIME WARRANTY. The MTI Compatible HP 26A includes a Lifetime Warranty regardless of purchase date or if the Amazon return window has closed

MICR character sets and standards

E-13B and CMC-7 are MICR character sets, not universal templates for the placement of every field on a document. Which set is used depends on the relevant market and standard; the sources cited here do not establish a current country-by-country prevalence map for CMC-7.

E-13B printing specifications

For the U.S., ANSI X9.100-20-2021 specifies the shape, dimensions, magnetic signal level, tolerances, and printing defects for ten E-13B numerals and four special symbols. The ANSI standard listing explains that printed E-13B characters used for recognition in magnetic ink are what is commonly called MICR.

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Troy 4001/4101 MICR Toner Secure Standard Yield Cartridge, Check Printing, Coordinating HP Part Number: W1480A, Yields 2900 Pages, Black
  • Patented Anti-Tamper Security: Prevent check fraud by utilizing an extra layer of security to your printed checks. TROY’s MICR Toner Secure releases a red dye whenever chemical alteration is attempted, voiding the check.
  • Precision-Matched: TROY’s unique manufacturing and testing process has produced a precision-matched toner for each specific printing machine. This helps maintain optimum laser printer performance.
  • Prevent Toner Scraping: Toner scraping attempts are commonly used to commit check fraud. Because of the high adhesion of our toner, this type of fraud is nearly impossible to commit.
  • MICR Readability: Printed checks using TROY toner result in high readability and legibility that not only meets but exceeds all ANSI and ABA banking standards.
  • HP OEM: In 1993, TROY became authorized by HP to enhance HP Printers and consumables for use in secure check and document printing. TROY is now the only HP OEM partner authorized to modify HP printers and supplies for secure print applications.

ISO 1004-1:2013 covers the main E-13B printing characteristics. ISO reports that this edition was reviewed and confirmed in 2025 and remains current; see the ISO standard page.

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Character shape is not the same as document layout

A character standard governs how the symbols are formed and printed. A separate document or banking standard may determine where fields go and how they are used. Historical standards material records that ISO Recommendation R 1004-1969 included both E-13B and CMC-7, while distinguishing character specifications from check placement and use. That publication also reports that the American Bankers Association adopted E-13B in December 1958. These dates are historical context, not evidence of present-day use in every market. See the 1971 government-hosted standards publication.

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Sensible Toner Replacement for HP CF258A, 58A MICR Toner Cartridge W/ Chip for HP Laser Printers M404 M406 M428 M404n, M404dn, M404dw, M406dn, MFP M428fdn, M428dw, M428fdw MFP M430 3,000 Pages
  • This product is not compatible with HP+ enrolled printers.
  • This cartridge is used for check printing and will print 3,000 pages or 9,000 checks ( if printed 3 up on a page ) MICR Toner Check Printer Cartridge using Certified MICR check printing toner. Micr Ink.
  • Guaranteed to work as well or better than the OEM cartridge it replaces. This cartridge is supported in the USA. Please contact us directly if you have an issue or question. One year warranty that extends beyond the Amazon 30 day return policy.
  • Works in the following Check printers: M404, M404n, M404dn, M404dw, M406, M406dn, M428, MFP M428fdn, M428dw, M428fdw MFP M430 series and cartridge has a chip
  • Compatible Check printing cartridge replaces Troy HP 58A and CF258A MICR, 58X and CF258X MICR toner cartridges, Magnetic Ink Toner used for check printing applications like payroll, accounts payable and other business check printing applications.
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Does a check need magnetic ink or toner?

For U.S. original checks, the Federal Reserve says only the MICR line must be magnetic; other printed items, such as the date, payee, and written amount, may use ordinary ink. If a person must print a missing MICR line, the Federal Reserve advises printing that line in magnetic ink. This guidance does not certify a particular home or office printer, ink, or toner, and requirements may differ by bank, equipment, jurisdiction, and check type. Consult the relevant bank or check-processing provider before printing checks.

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Ampro New 141A MICR Toner Cartridge for Check Printing Works with Laser Printers M110, M110W, M140W, MFP M139. Prints 950 Pages.
  • IN THE BOX- One New Compatible 141A MICR Toner Cartridge with New Chip.
  • CERTIFIED MICR—Ampro's Certified MICR cartridge complies with US and North American banking Systems. It replaces the 141A MICR toner and W1410A MICR toner.
  • COMAPTIBLE PRINTERS -. Laser Printers M110, Laser Printer M110W, Laser Printer MFP M139, Laser Printer M140W,
  • WARNING: Not Compatible with Laser printers 𝐌𝟏𝟏𝟎𝐰𝐞 𝐌𝟏𝟑𝟗𝐰𝐞 𝐌𝟏𝟒𝟎𝐰𝐞 Printer.
  • HIGH YIELD - Based on the industry-standard 5% coverage, our high-yield cartridges will produce 950 single checks or 2800 business checks @ 3 checks per page.
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Ampro New Replacement 148A MICR W1480A MICR Works with Laser Printers 4001DN, 4001DW, 4001N; LaserJet Pro MFP 4101FDN, 4101FDW (Prints 3000 Pages)
  • LOWER COST - This lower-cost alternative to our original cartridge is manufactured using the same high-quality USA MICR technology, ensuring reliable printing for checks and important documents. It performs just as well as OEM cartridges, providing peace of mind for both personal and business use.
  • CERTIFIED MICR—Ampro's Certified MICR cartridge complies with US and North American banking Systems. It replaces the 148A MICR toner and the W1480A MICR toner.
  • COMPATIBLE PRINTERS - The 148A MICR toner works with a range of printers, including Laser printers 4001DN, 4001DW, 4001N, MFP 4101FDN, MFP 4101FDW.
  • NOT COMPATIBLE WITH: Laser Printers 4001DNE, 4001DWE,4001NE, MFP 4101FDNE, MFP 4101FDWE.
  • HIGH YIELD—Based on the industry-standard 5% coverage, our high-yield cartridges will produce 3000 single checks or 9000 business checks at 3 checks per page.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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