US Banking
MICR Line and Check Routing
Check routing refers to the set of numbers printed along the bottom of a paper check that identify the paying bank and account. These numbers are encoded using MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) technology, allowing high-speed automated reading by check processing equipment. The routing line includes the routing number, account number, and check number.
The MICR line at the bottom of a US check is divided into fields separated by special symbols. The first field, enclosed by transit symbols (⑀), contains the nine-digit routing number. The second field, enclosed by on-us symbols (⑁), contains the account number. The check number typically appears as a separate field. When a check is deposited, the bank's reader-sorter machine reads the MICR line and routes the check to the correct paying bank based on the routing number. You can verify a routing number from a check using BankCheck.
Understanding the check routing line helps you correctly identify your routing and account numbers when setting up direct deposits, automatic payments, or electronic transfers. Confusing the routing number with the account number or check number is one of the most common errors that leads to rejected payments.
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