Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) toner is a magnetically charged powder specifically for printing checks with laser printers. This special powder prints the symbols and numbers at the bottom of checks so that automated processors can recognize them as legitimate cash items. While digital banking is mainstream, MICR toner is necessary for processing paper checks in the U.S. or Canadian payment systems.MICR toner is similar to standard laser printer toner, but it includes an iron oxide additive. This allows for electronic processing and ensures compliance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications for readability. While it is possible to physically print checks with non-MICR toner, there are several important issues to consider first.What Does MICR Toner Do, and Why Is it Best?MICR toner's magnetic particles allow magnetic bank processors to automatically read and sort checks. While some financial institutions read checks optically, MICR toner is necessary because many banks still rely on magnetic readers.There is no guarantee that a check printed using non-MICR toner will be handled by a bank that uses optical technology. If that bank only uses magnetic technology, a non-MICR toner check may need to be processed manually or even returned as unreadable. In either case, the processing time will be increased, and additional processing fees may be charged.What Is MICR Toner Used For?MICR toner prints the accounting, routing and check numbers on financial documents. Using MICR toner enables automated processing, routing payments through the bank system quickly and securely. When a magnetic reader sends a charge to a check's MICR line, it can decipher the magnetic encoded characters.Without MICR toner, a magnetic processor cannot detect or process a check's numbers.Is MICR Toner Required for Checks?MICR toner is legally required for checks for encoding purposes. Federal regulations mandate magnetic ink for any paper checks intended as cash items. Using standard toner can cause processors to classify checks as non-cash items, resulting in noncompliance, errors and potential bank fees.Can You Use MICR Toner in Any Printer?MICR toner cartridges might work in standard laser printers, but it is not recommended. To be sure that you are meeting ANSI standards, it’s best to use MICR toner in a MICR printer when printing checks. A MICR printer features a specialized fuser or printhead to ensure the MICR toner's iron oxide particles fuse with the proper density. This ensures MICR lines print with the necessary magnetic signal strength for bank reader detection. MICR printers also feature specialized firmware and components to ensure the correct toner is installed and MICR characters are aligned to documents.Why Is It Important to Use a MICR Printer?Using a MICR toner and a MICR printer is essential because it offers the following advantages:Guaranteed processing: Using a MICR printer guarantees that any bank can process your checks, regardless of their processing technology. Manufacturers of standard laser printers cannot guarantee that the MICR line will be readable or usable.Efficiency: A MICR-printed check's ability to integrate with all financial and banking systems streamlines workflows, enabling high-speed processing.Security:MICR printers can offer a host of security features — including paper tray or printer locks — that prevent unauthorized users from printing checks. A special security cartridge, which can be removed and stored in a secure area after use, can ensure that authorized signatures, company logos and font information remain protected.Fraud prevention: Using MICR toner and a MICR printer ensures that an organization has done its due diligence to prevent fraud. An organization that does not exercise due diligence risks its own security and may be ultimately responsible for any losses that result from the fraud.Cost savings and reduced waste: When you print with a MICR printer and toner, you can use more affordable paper in place of higher-cost, pre-printed check stock. This also lowers your storage costs and reduces paper waste because you no longer need to keep a pre-printed check inventory.Ensure Proper Printing With RELYCO MICR Printers and TonersUsing a reliable MICR printer and MICR toner is vital for efficiency, compliance and security. RELYCO offers reliable MICR printers and toner cartridges to help your business streamline check processing and maintain ANSI compliance. We also offer quality, high-security business check paper to protect your business and help deter fraud.Our experts can recommend the best printer and toner combo based on your company's specific needs and expected growth. With 35 years of experience in the check printing industry, we understand the importance of precision, accuracy and security. You can rely on us as a one-stop shop for secure check printing equipment and supplies.Browse our printers and toners or our selection of business checks to enhance your printing processes.