If you are looking to purchase check printing software, you may have heard that you need to buy MICR toner as well. This is true, MICR toner is necessary when printing your own checks. However, you may be confused as to what the differences are between MICR and standard toner, and when you should use one or the other. This article answers some of the frequently asked questions about MICR toner.
What is the difference between MICR Toner and Standard Toner?
The answer to this frequently asked question is: “Not much.” MICR Toner is able to be magnetized so that check readers can use a machine much like a record player to magnetize the letter or number and then “read” the image and input the information into the computer. Standard toner cannot be magnetized.
Are the appearances the same?
Yes. Whether you print with standard or MICR toner there is no difference in quality or appearance. You could print research papers using MICR toner, the only thing that would be different is that a check reader could understand the information if you used the correct fonts.
When do you use MICR Toner and Standard Toner?
If the two are practically the same, why not use one or the other, instead of both? If you need to print checks using check printing software and blank check stock, use MICR toner to provide the bank with the bank routing number and account number of where the money is coming from, and where it needs to go. If you don’t need to print checks, there is no need to use MICR toner. It can be expensive and if you are printing checks on pre-printed check stock, you should use standard toner. Most banks have optical readers that can read the different fonts on the checks without magnetizing the ink, but sometimes it is easier to simply use the MICR reader. If the check goes through the MICR reader and cannot be read, it is set aside to be keyed in by hand, which can increase risk of error, take longer than expected for the check to clear and also fine the check writer.
Can I switch between the two?
Although it seems like a cost saving measure, switching cartridges in and out of any printer is usually not a good idea. It can dry the ink out, ruin the printer and end up costing more money than you initially thought you had saved. It’s best to purchase the right toner for the work you are doing, and use that until it is out of ink, and then replace the cartridge.
Most MICR toner costs just as much as standard toner, and the same holds true for Piracle’s MICR Toner. In fact, in a comparison between the two types of toner and prices, you would save money printing with Piracle’s MICR toner because it has more quantity, quality and is cheaper for the number of prints than standard toner. For more information on MICR toner, or to order some, please go to www.Piracle.com.
