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Print your own professional checks by using blank check stock, a printer with MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) toner or ink and specialized check printing software. This process allows you to create and print checks on-demand, which is often more cost-effective and secure than ordering them from a bank. By following a few steps within the software to design the layout and input payment information, you can efficiently produce checks that are compliant with banking standards.

A MICR printer is a laser printer built for check printing that guarantees MICR readability and also makes sure you are meeting ANSI standards. You can physically print checks with standard toner or a regular laser printer, but banks may reject or manually process them, causing delays and fees. Using MICR toner in a MICR printer speeds processing, reduces costs and helps prevent fraud.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is a technology developed in the mid-1950s that uses special magnetic ink and unique fonts to print a line of characters on the bottom of checks and other financial documents. This MICR line, which includes routing, account and check numbers, allows for fast, automated and secure processing by financial institutions. Despite the rise of digital payments, MICR is still widely used today because it significantly reduces the risk of fraud. This high level of security makes it essential not just for checks, but also for other sensitive financial documents like Image Replacement Documents (IRDs), bank control documents, credit card invoices and more.