A magnetic ink character recognition, or MICR, specification sheet is used to give a check printer with the necessary information to generate customer checks or deposit slips. Typically, this information is necessary when ordering from a third-party check printer and not from one’s own bank.
Checks contain several bits of vital information. These are necessary for the check to be properly scanned and processed. The nine-digit financial institution routing transit number, located in the bottom left corner, specifies the bank holding the account and the check processing facility. Following the routing number is the account number. On some checks, an ACH routing transit number may also display. On the MICR specification sheet, all of this information is conveyed to the check printer.
MICR numbers, letters, and symbols are printed with magnetic ink or toner, allowing a computer to read them even if they are obscured by other marks. This technology protects businesses and customers against fraud and ensures that the check printer reliably processes orders. The local branch of any bank is a useful resource for information regarding check printing and should be able to supply a MICR spec sheet to current checking customers.
