With recent advancements in technology, businesses can now save a considerable amount of money by printing their own checks. To print secure checks, businesses need to use a printer with MICR toner, which is a printing process using magnetic toner easily read electronically by banking institutions. By printing with magnetic ink toner, businesses expedite check processing and protect themselves from fraud.

Most current printers can print checks using MICR ink or MICR toner. Before purchasing MICR toner cartridges, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What kind of quality does this MICR toner provide?

2. Is this a competitive price for MICR ink?

3. What is the satisfaction guarantee policy for my MICR toner purchase?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate the quality before you buy MICR toner

Because financial institutions electronically read MICR printed documents, consistent print quality is important. There are three different quality distinctions in MICR toner cartridges: original equipment manufacturer (OEM), which are entirely new cartridges; compatible, which are new, but usually not approved by the MICR printer manufacturer; and remanufactured, which are used cartridges with magnetic ink refill. Assess which quality best meets your business needs.

I recommend: MICR Image Technology clearly divides their online magnetic ink refill and MICR toner cartridges into new and remanufactured so you don’t have to read the fine print to determine quality. Relyco offers OEM, Compatible and Remanufactured MICR toner cartridges from Hewlett Packard (HP), Lexmark and IBM. At Sun Data Supply, choose magnetic ink refills for 18 MICR printers.

Compare prices between several MICR toner providers

Because MICR toner is a specialty item with limited availability, some manufacturers try to increase their profit margin at your expense. There are vast differences in price depending on the quality you choose for MICR ink, so check out several MICR toner cartridge providers.

I recommend: Office Supply Outfitters negotiates with its manufacturers for volume discounts on MICR toner cartridges, offering you a competitive price. Ink Jet Superstore boasts some of the lowest MICR toner prices in the industry.

Check out the satisfaction guarantee policy before purchasing MICR toner

Many MICR toner manufacturers provide satisfaction guarantee policies, but read the fine print. Some companies will not take back an opened magnetic ink refill or toner cartridge. If you purchase a compatible or remanufactured MICR toner, pay attention to the warranty on printer damage caused by a MICR toner cartridge.

I recommend: Office Supply Outfitters offers 100% guarantee against defects for one year. Sun Data Supply offers a one year replacement product or money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with your MICR toner purchase. Additionally, if a compatible toner cartridge damages your printer due to a MICR toner cartridge or MICR ink refill, Sun Data Supply will reimburse costs to repair the printer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some manufacturers may be willing to negotiate the price on MICR cartridges, especially on volume purchases. Don't be shy about sharing your price findings.