How to Tell If Toner Is MICR: Know the Difference
Kory BixlerShare
Checks may seem like an outdated technology in the age of digital payments, but they still make up 33% of B2B payment transactions, according to data from Nacha.
In light of this, fast and accurate check processing remains essential for both banking compliance and business operations.
This is where MICR toner comes in.
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) is a key technology for efficient check processing. It magnetically encodes the routing, account, and check numbers, enabling a bank’s check processing machine to “read” them.
If you’re printing business checks in-house, using authentic MICR toner is crucial. But how do you tell if toner is MICR?
Below, we’ll draw on our 40+ years of MICR printing experience to show you how to spot real (and fake) MICR toner.
We’ll also cover some guidelines for buying MICR toner and answer some common questions about it.
Understanding MICR Toner and Why It Matters
MICR toner is a special type of toner that contains magnetic iron oxide particles. It’s used to print the check’s “MICR line”, which includes the:
- Routing number
- Account number
- Check number
MICR was developed back in the 1950s to enable accurate, automated check processing.
When a check arrives at the bank, it’s scanned using a MICR reader. This specialized scanner detects the magnetic iron oxide particles to “read” the information on the check.
Without MICR toner, this process wouldn’t be possible. Therefore, you must use authentic MICR toner if you plan to print business checks.
Standard toner won’t work with a MICR reader, and it doesn’t comply with ANSI specifications for MICR checks.
Shop Certified MICR Toner Cartridges
How to Identify MICR Toner
If you’ve purchased toner online or have some at your office, how do you tell if it’s true MICR toner?
The following methods will help you distinguish MICR toner from regular toner:
Method 1: Check the Packaging and Labeling
The easiest way to tell if you have MICR toner is to check the packaging and labels on the product.
Look for either “MICR” or “Magnetic Ink Character Recognition” on the box or the toner cartridge itself.
You can also check the toner’s product code and verify it against the manufacturer's information online.
Method 2: The Physical Magnet Test
Being magnetic is the key property that distinguishes MICR toner from regular toner.
Therefore, you should be able to identify genuine MICR toner with a simple magnet. Hold the magnet up to the toner, and see if it sticks.
True MICR toner will stick to the magnet, while regular toner will not.
Method 3: Review Product Specifications
Many printer manufacturers, such as HP and Xerox, sell both MICR and non-MICR toner.
When ordering toner online, verify that you’re purchasing toner certified for MICR printing. This specification should be listed clearly in the product description.
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller to confirm.
Find the Right MICR Solution for Your Printer
MICR vs Standard Toner: Key Differences
Let’s quickly break down the three key differences between MICR and standard toner:
- Physical characteristics - Standard toner is made of a mixture of plastic particles, pigments, and chemical stabilizers. MICR toner also contains these ingredients, but with the addition of magnetic iron oxide particles.
- Magnetic ink composition - When combined with special MICR fonts, the magnetic particles in the MICR toner enable a MICR reader to detect the characters on the check paper.
- Compatibility with check printers - A MICR check printer typically won’t accept non-MICR toner cartridges.
What Happens If You Use Non-MICR Toner for Check Printing?
It’s tempting to use regular toner to print checks. However, we strongly advise against it. If you print your checks with non-MICR toner, you risk:
- Rejected checks - Not only does this slow down your operations, but it also reflects poorly on your business’s reputation.
- Processing delays - Even if the bank can process your check without MICR toner, the extra work required can cause costly delays.
- Bank fees - Banks can charge you a returned check fee if they reject your non-MICR check.
But why would the bank care if you use non-MICR toner?
Mainly, because non-MICR toner fails to meet standards such as ANSI X9.100-20-2021. This specification standardizes MICR printing guidelines for checks to ensure both security and compliance.
Tips for Ensuring You Buy the Correct MICR Toner
Now that you understand the importance of using MICR toner to print checks, here are some tips for making sure you buy the correct MICR toner for your printing needs:
Buy from Trusted Vendors and Brands
We recommend purchasing your MICR toner from a specialized vendor that sells trusted brands.
Companies that specialize in MICR printers and toner offer a curated selection of products, as well as expert support and advice.
Here are some MICR toner brands you can trust to be genuine and high-quality:
Whichever brand you buy, make sure to read the specifications and verify that it’s compatible with your specific MICR printer model.
Watch for Counterfeit or Mislabeled Cartridges
A search for “MICR toner” on Amazon returns over 1,000 results. However, don’t assume that all of these products are genuine.
Since MICR cartridges cost more than standard toner, fake cartridges are a possibility.
If the price of a cartridge seems too good to be true, it’s probably a fake. Likewise, if the cartridge is from an unfamiliar brand, you should be skeptical.
Look for MICR Toner with Added Security Features
MICR toner helps make checks more secure because it requires specialized equipment, and a bank’s MICR reader will easily detect a check printed with non-MICR toner.
Having said that, MICR toner alone isn’t a guarantee of security against all forms of fraud.
Check washing, in particular, is still possible with MICR toner checks. With check washing, a scammer uses chemicals to remove the ink on a check and then alters the check information for their benefit.
Therefore, we recommend purchasing MICR toner with added security features, such as TROY MICR Toner Secure. This toner is specially formulated to release a red dye if someone attempts to chemically alter the check.
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MICR Toner FAQs
Still have questions about MICR toner? Here are answers to some common queries:
Can I use regular toner to print business checks?
Technically, yes. But we advise against this, as you risk returned check fees or processing delays.
How do I know if my printer supports MICR toner?
Your printer’s manual should clearly indicate if it supports MICR toner. If you’re unsure, reach out to the manufacturer for verification.
Where can I buy MICR toner online?
You can purchase MICR toner online from a number of sellers, including TROY, Source Technologies, and ACOM.
Conclusion: MICR Toner Still Matters
Using genuine MICR toner remains important for ensuring:
- Regulatory compliance
- Rapid and accurate check processing
- Secure check printing (particularly if the toner contains added security features)
To identify MICR toner, use the following guidelines:
- Look for “MICR” or “Magnetic Ink Character Recognition” on the cartridge or packaging.
- Purchase MICR toner from a reputable brand and seller.
- Avoid MICR cartridges that seem unusually cheap.
- Use a magnet to test if your MICR toner is genuine.
Need MICR toner to print business checks in-house? Shop certified MICR toner cartridges from ACOM.