MICR Line Identification

Identifying Check, Account, and Routing Numbers

Identifying Data on MICR Lines

When using the Check Scanning SDK or Mobile Check Capture API, MICR lines are located, extracted, and parsed. This results in three data points that return either to Salesforce UI fields or to the JSON response. Those three data points are the routing number, account number, and check number.

Most Common Symbols of a MICR Line

The below describes how a scanning or mobile user can identify whether the data returned is correct or whether corrections must be made.

Transit Symbol (Routing Number Identifier)

The Transit Symbol is used to identify the Routing Number. The nine-digit routing number begins and ends with this symbol.

On-Us Symbol (Identifies Check Number or Account Number)

The On-Us Symbol is used to identify either the Check Number or the Account Number, both found on the check. Generally, if this symbol comes before and after digits, it identifies the check number. Otherwise, if it follows digits but does not precede digits, it most likely identifies the account number.

Dash Symbol (Identifies Check Number or Account Number)

The Dash Symbol is used to identify either the Check Number or the Account Number, both found on the check. Generally, if this symbol follows a set of digits, and there are no On-Us symbols that come before and after those digits, then the digits to the left of the Dash identify the check number. Otherwise, the dash simply splits different sets of the account number (i.e. 123-456-789).

Sample Checks - MICR Lines

Below you will find the most common MICR line templates/standards used by financial institutions in the US.

Business Checks (Sample 1)

The below MICR line is generally found on business or bill pay checks. In this case, the On-Us symbol can be found before and after the check number. The account number is followed by the last On-Us symbol found on the MICR line.

Business Checks (Sample 2)

The below MICR line is generally found on business or bill pay checks. In this case, the On-Us symbol can be found before and after the check number. The account number is followed by the last On-Us symbol found on the MICR line. In this case, the Dash symbol is used to split the account number into two groups.

Business Checks (Sample 3)

The below MICR line is generally found on business checks. In this case, the check number does not have an On-Us symbol. Therefore, the Dash symbol is used to identify the check number preceding the account number.

Certified Checks (Sample 4)

The below MICR line is generally found on certified checks. In this example, the check number, which is listed on the face of the check, is not displayed on the MICR line. Only the routing and account numbers are displayed on the MICR line. Occasionally, account numbers for certified checks resemble check numbers, but in actuality, they are the unique value that identifies certified checks. Users using the Salesforce Check Scanning Application will find a blank check number value on the User Interface which is the correct expectation. A check number should not be filled in this case.

Personal & Business Checks (Sample 5)

The below MICR line is generally found on personal and business checks. It is the most common MICR line template utilized by financial institutions. In this case, the check number comes after the only On-Us symbol found on the MICR line. The account number will follow the transit symbol and precede the On-Us symbol.

Business Checks (Sample 6)

The below MICR line is generally found on business or bill pay checks. In this case, the On-Us symbol can be found before and after the check number. The account number is followed by the last On-Us symbol found on the MICR line.