HP MICR is the word in the world of checks

Just a couple of years ago the idea of printing your own checks was absurd and unheard of. However, today it is the norm and with it comes a whole host of questions regarding at home or in office check printing and the MICR toner used.

Before you get up from your desk and run to the office supply store and buy a new printer and some MICR Toner to start printing your checks, be witting that regular toner and ink that comes with the machine will not work and could cost you money. And, while this is possible it really is not a good idea. The HP MICR Toner is special in that it allows the bank readers and sorters to read the documents quickly and process them easily. Often the ordinary consumer will ask if it is mandatory to use MICR Toner to print their checks and the answer is definitely yes!

The reason why is that the Toner is magnetic, which allows the banks to read it. Regular ink must be processed by hand and when this occurs it is not uncommon for the bank to charge a per check fee, up to $30, for using the wrong toner. So, that is something you will definitely want to keep in mind.

Another common question is whether or not MICR toner exists for inkjet printers. The answer is no because inkjet printers use ink not toner. However, there is MICR ink that works well in inkjet printers so that is an option for you if you have an inkjet printer.

The most popular question is perhaps what MICR really stands for. The answer is magnetic ink character recognition. MICR alone will not change the characters that are required to be used also. The characters that are used are from a whole different font.

Another funny question that people seem to ask quite on a regular basis is how MICR is pronounced. The answer is M, I, C, R because it is an acronym and not a word. Acronyms should be spelled out, like YMCA, rather than spoken as a word. Some people have heard the MICR acronym spoken as “micker” or “my-ker” but neither of these is correct. though?, the “my-ker” would be favored by industry leaders should it be pronounced. The easiest thing to do is just spell it out!

These are only a few of the questions people ask when they are educating themselves before they consider printing their own checks. If this sounds like you then do not hesitate jumping on the web and seeing what you can find. Most likely you will realize there are actually a lot of answers out there that will help educate you on MICR.

Below are a list of things you should think about before you start printing your own checks:

85% of all printers in use today are HP Printers. This speaks volumes on the printer option for you.

Starting with an HP Printer with HP MICR Toner Cartridge and a good check writing program will for certain get you up and running.

Using HP MICR will save you about 50% over other brands.

Time and time again other brands often have MICR content flaws, where HP does not normally have these problems.

Most importantly do your homework! Before you start printing checks in quanity, go to your local bank that these checks would be processed and have them check that everything is acceptable. Remember that there is currently no way to print micr checks using a Color Laser Printer.