What Is MICR Ink?

What Is MICR Ink?

Here at Hub Labels we have MICR ink capabilities to offer to our customers. The next question is , what is MICR ink? MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition and is typically applied on bank checks. They are printed on special MICR toners to print the check number, account number, and bank routing number on to the bottom of the check.

Why use MICR Ink?

So why is it that checks need this so-called special ink? One reason is the Federal Reserve requires that checks be printed using MICR ink. So that’s a pretty good reason. However, there’s more to MICR than just that.

MICR ink helps prevent check fraud. According to PwC, 47% of companies experienced fraud in 2019 and 2020. Being exposed to fraud can be like being stuck in quicksand for a business. The fraudsters just get more and more clever each year too. Often, the banks and institutions won’t even notice a check is doctored until after the money has already been sent to the culprit, and by then it’s too late and whole lot more of a headache.

Using MICR inks on any type of check should be standard for any business. There are still some players out there who try to cut corners, but the reality is you are much better off becoming fully compliant with check printing standards. It will safeguard you from fraud, checks won’t be rejected, you won’t need to use pre-printed checks, and allows for quick and reliable on demand check printing.

If you want to find out if you need to be using MICR ink with your business, reach out to us here!