How do I choose MICR software?

To MICR print checks, you will probably have to buy MICR software to use in addition to your present accounting software. Most accounting softwares are designed to print on pre-printed checks. If you use QuickBooks, MultiCHAX offers software solutions. Check Printing Software 2000 also offers options for many types of accounting systems. The most important feature to look for in MICR software is the ability to print the checks and signature in one printer pass instead of two. This is important to get the most time saving advantage of MICR checks, along with the cost saving advantage. Once your software is loaded, drop a MICR printer cartridge in your printer, and you’re in business!
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What do I need to print business checks from my companys printer?

Did you know that your company can print checks with its current accounting program using MICR check printing software? A MICR check includes the date, payee, amount, bank account number, routing number, bank name – even signatures! To save on costs of pre-printed checks, and increase your company’s level of security, all you need is:


1. A computer;

2. A good laser printer;

3. MICR check printing software;

4. A MICR toner cartridge; and

5. Blank check safety paper.



It’s another way technology has made it easier for business to increase efficiency and save costs.
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What are the advantages of printing MICR checks over using preprinted checks

Printing MICR checks has a definite advantage over printing checks on pre-printed forms. First, it saves time. You don’t have to keep track of which number check you are on, or line up the checks in the printer just right so they will print in the right fields. (Plus, you do not have to void a check number with MICR printing like you do when it prints wrong on a pre-printed form.) This makes it very convenient if you are dealing with several bank accounts in one office.

Second, it saves time, because you can print an authorized signature on the check in one pass through the printer. No more signing your name to fifty checks or tracking down the boss to get a signature on the company light bill check – once out of the printer, they are ready to mail. You also don’t have to order and wait for pre-printed checks, because you are creating the entire check on check safety paper (which is also cheaper!).

A MICR printer cartridge can be purchased in a price range similar to regular toner, so your accounting department will not have to change cartridges every time checks need to be printed. Printing MICR checks is the time and money saving alternative to preprinted checks.
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What is MICR?

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. It is primarily used by the banking industry on checks so that account and routing numbers can be read by machine. A special MICR toner cartridge is used for printing checks. A MICR cartridge contains iron oxide, which can be magnetized. This magnetization allows equipment to read bank account and routing numbers from checks. MICR toner contains 50% more iron oxide. This is a requirement for American National Standards Institute (ANSI) readability standards. MICR technology is compatible with many accounting software programs, like QuickBooks, so businesses often take advantage of the opportunity to print their own checks for tighter security and cost savings.
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What type of paper do I use for printing MICR checks?

Use blank safety paper in your MICR printer to print checks. Safety paper is specially treated so that it reveals attempts to alter printed checks. Some safety papers have fine patterns so that erasures are easily identifiable. This type of paper is the best to use with MICR toner so banking industry machines can read the account and routing numbers. MICR software will give you the capability to print logos on your checks, so you can design them any way you wish. Blank check safety paper comes in lots of different colors. You can buy enough paper to print 1,000 checks for as low as $25 – a substantial savings compared to pre-printed checks.
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Which printers use MICR toner?

MICR toner is not as popular as regular laser toner because most manufacturers focus on the product that will make them the most money. So, it can be difficult to find MICR toner for every laser printer that’s on the market. For example, you won’t find many options in Brother MICR toner but you will find more options in Lexmark MICR toner because Lexmark has a larger share of the printer market. HP MICR toner is easy to find, because HP has the largest market share of laser printers. In fact, HP has over 26 different MICR toners. Almost all recent models of HP laser and inkjet printers are capable of printing MICR checks.
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