The extent of digital transformation witnessed by humankind is truly exceptional. Take for instance the financial sector, starting from the barter system to finally turning into an absolutely cashless sector, financial transactions are nowhere near what they used to be a few decades back.
Checks are an integral part of the digital transactional mode which makes them something that’s always in demand. But the process comes to a halt when you exhaust your checkbook. The two most common ways are to either visit a bank or outsource an expensive check printing service.
But what if we tell you, there’s a third way that makes it easy to print your own checks? Sounds exciting right?
That’s where a MICR toner comes into play. If your business writes a lot of checks or prints other documents that need to be read by magnetic scanners, then you will need a MICR toner and a compatible printer. Here are some of the most common and frequently asked questions about MICR toner.
What is MICR Toner?
MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition. MICR toner is a specialized kind of toner used in either laser printers or MICR printers to print checks and other documents that can be read through magnetic scanners. MICR characters are printed in a magnetically readable font that can be read by the bank’s magnetic scanners.
The cheque comprises a bank routing number, account number, and check number (also known as the “MICR line”) which offers security to both the consumer and their banking institution. The MICR toner formula prints this MICR line with the help of a specialized MICR font named E-13B. Together they produce a unique combination of characters that reduces the risk of fraud during the check-processing period.
These MICR numbers are different from other computer-readable information and can be easily read by humans as well. There are two types of MICR fonts- E-13B and CMC-7.
How Much Does a MICR Toner Cost?
The cost for a branded MICR toner can range anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on the brand and type of printer you’re using.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks you can also search for their refurbished or remanufactured counterparts. But make sure to purchase them from a trusted supplier as this will ensure the quality of the toner cartridges.
Where Can I Buy MICR Toner?
You can easily find MICR toners online. You can choose from a wide variety of branded cartridges available on sites like Amazon or from the official website of the cartridge brand you’re looking for.
However, if you’re seeking MICR toners that provides you with highest quality print then (company name) provides you with best quality toner cartridges that gives you the finest quality prints all the while taking care of your printer.
How Long Does a Cartridge of MICR Toner Last?
The printing capacity of MICR toners differs based on brands and the printer you’re using. But on average, a MICR toner can print up to 2000+ standard pages and 6000 checks.
But these numbers can also differ based on the age of your printer as older printers tend to consume more ink.
Do I Need a Special Printer to Use MICR Toner?
In order to use a MICR toner, you either need a standard laser printer or a MICR printer which is specifically meant for the purpose of printing checks.
It totally depends on you for the type of printer you want to go with as both of them deliver great results with a MICR toner cartridge. But put a little thought into your business’s requirements before making a purchase decision.
A standard laser printer compatible with MICR toner would be the perfect pick for your business if you print checks occasionally. In this case, you’ll have to stock up on both MICR toner cartridges and regular toner cartridges for carrying out all kinds of printing.
In case you’re considering investing in a MICR printer, keep in mind that it will only allow you to use MICR toner. So you’ll also have to invest in a regular printer for your everyday printing needs.
Will Any Type of Magnetic Ink Work in My Printer?
The answer is yes. But the important fact to keep in mind is that all magnetic inks are not built the same. The type of magnetic ink you choose for your printing will ultimately define the quality of the print. So it becomes very important to pick the right kind of ink especially when you’re printing something like cheques that has a high probability of rejection when printed incorrectly.
Here are the things that you should look for in a MICR toner cartridge so that you get flawless prints every time.
The performance of a MICR toner cartridge is one of the first things you should look for when trying to pick a good quality toner. If your budget is under no crunch then you should always consider buying a branded MICR toner. It ensures the durability and performance of the toner.
If you’re looking for an affordable option and thinking of using reused or remanufactured MICR toner cartridges then make sure that you’re choosing a trusted and reliable seller/vendor. In most cases, empty cartridges are not handled with proper care during the remanufacturing process which results in poor quality and low yield.
The bad quality of toner formulation is likely to fail the cheque-clearing process as these MICR toners are not being held to performance standards or MICR verification.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Using MICR Toner?
A MICR toner cartridge can only work with either a MICR printer or a compatible laser printer. If you try to use the toner cartridge with other kinds of printers like the inkjet printer then you will not receive the desired results and the magnetic scanner will fail when trying to process your cheque or other magnetically read documents.
Also, chances are that it can cause potential damage to your printer and the MICR toner cartridge that would be irreversible in nature and it might end up causing you a huge loss. So always pair the MICR toner with the right kind of printer.
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