What is the Best Ink for Printing Checks? - Check Printing

If your organization has a dedicated printer for printing checks, you’re probably wondering: what is the best ink for printing checks? And yes, while it is possible to use standard ink for payments or payroll check printing, you should always be using MICR toner or ink. By not using MICR ink or toner to print checks you can run into several issues. This includes not complying with financial industry regulations, fees from rejected checks, and the threat of fraud.

What is MICR?

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, and it is the defining characteristic of a check. The MICR line is the series of numbers and characters printed at the bottom of the check that includes all the essential information – including account, routing, and check numbers. This is a core characteristic of the check and allows the data to be captured electronically.  

This special character font, combined with the magnetic properties of the ink or toner, makes check processing at the bank much faster. Data not printed using MICR may not scan properly resulting in clearing issues. This may result in manual entry at the bank and processing fees for your financial institution. 

The Benefits of Using MICR

Using MICR ink or toner complies with ANSI standards for check printing. By not using a MICR toner or ink, your organization runs the risk of checks being rejected by the bank. This can lead to your organization incurring unwanted problems, including:

• Lost time and additional labor due to the voiding and reissuing of a payment 
• Bank fees as high as $35 for each returned check 
• Unwanted downtime and delays
  

It is highly recommended using a magnetic ink or toner developed specifically for your printer model to ensure optimal print quality. This ensures MICR scanning integrity and virtually no returned checks. When printing checks using MICR ink or toner, organizations don’t need to worry about a check’s vital information being hard to read, and consequently being rejected by the bank. 

What Else Should You Consider?

Not all MICR ink or toner cartridges are the same. Even if you’ve decided to use MICR for your in-house check printing, there’s a few other details to consider. Should you use an OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) or remanufactured toner cartridge? What added security features are available to prevent check fraud? Knowing what else to think about before purchasing can make a difference later. 

OEM vs. Remanufactured vs. Clone

When shopping for MICR cartridges, you’ll typically find original, remanufactured, or clone cartridges. It is highly recommended you use an OEM MICR cartridge when printing checks. Cartridges are designed for a single use and refilling and reusing can comprise the quality and output of a cartridge.    

When printing checks, print quality is crucial. OEM MICR toner and cartridges are formulated to optimize adhesion to the paper stock. This means that your OEM MICR toner cartridge will produce consistent character quality and will deter fraud since printed toner is more difficult to remove from the page.

While remanufactured and clone cartridges may seem like a cheaper option, they can cost you in the long run. Reprints, service calls, hardware replacement, returned check fees, and general inefficiencies can result in financial loss for your organization.  

Remanufactured cartridges can be known to cause toner streaks down the side of checks after a few prints. Along with poor readability, remanufactured cartridges may also void your check printer’s warranty. While you may pay a little more for OEM MICR toner, the quality and the reliability are priceless.  

In addition, using an OEM cartridge typically provides more reliable performance and consistent yields. Using a remanufactured cartridge can compromise yields and consistency.  

Complementary Security Features

You may also want to consider what security features the MICR ink or toner contains. While all toner bonds to the page, a MICR toner with high adhesion ensures consistent character quality. It is also an excellent fraud deterrent since printed data is not easily scraped or washed without damaging the check paper.

TROY MICR Toner Secure goes even further to prevent check tampering by releasing a red stain if chemical alteration is attempted. This patented technology virtually eliminates the risk of fraud by any check washing techniques. Standard toner can easily be scraped or chemically washed from a check, even on some of the most secure check stocks.

A Total Check Printing Solution  

Of course, MICR ink or toner is only one part of a total solution. To print the most secure checks, you’ll want to combine it with a magnetic ink printer for checks, blank check paper, check printing software, and digital signatures. Utilizing all these components for AP or payroll check printing gives you the most efficient and secure workflow.  

Using a MICR printer, ink or toner, and blank check stock enables the printing of the check’s vital information, i.e., the MICR line, in the precise location on the blank checks to pass bank clearing. All of the information can be printed in seconds, increasing your organization’s efficiency. 

Ready to Get Started with In-House Check Printing?

Whether you already have a MICR printer for checks, or you’re considering handling your AP and payroll check printing in-house, contact us to set up your total check printing solution. Whatever your check printing needs may be, our TROY sales representatives can tailor a solution for your organization. Call us at 304-232-0899 or email at secure@troygroup.com.