It used to be possible to print out a banking check from a typewriter, and it would be accepted by banks nationwide. Well due to the large amount of people that are now using checks, the banking system is inundated with paper as societies grow more mobile and affluent. It became vital to bankers to find a means of handling the huge amounts of paper documents. In the mid 1950’s, the first automated check handling machines went into operation. The banking and electronics industries quickly searched for a standardized process that could be used in banks across the country. That is how we came to use MICR, or Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, printing.

During this process, a special ink with magnetic properties called MICR toner and a specific typeface is applied to the bottom of each check. This allows the documents to be read and processed by the machine readers and sorters. Generally it is the accounting and routing information that is encoded in this form. But MICR printing can also be adapted for use in other industries including coupons and rebate checks. When companies use quality check paper and MICR toner they can ensure they avoid unnecessary charges from the bank for unreadable checks.