Payee Area
The payee is a necessary element for a negotiable document. The payee area is generally to the left side of the document either above or below the amount in words. It is often preceded by the words “Pay to the Order Of.” The payee data should not enter the MICR clear band which extends 5/8 of an inch above the bottom of the check.
Signature Area
A signature is a required element for a negotiable document. The signature or signatures authorize the bank to honor the check; therefore, it must match the bank’s records. The signature area should be beneath the convenience amount area but the signatures should not enter the convenience amount area nor the MICR clear band. This is especially true if you print the signature with MICR toner.
Drawee Institution Name
The name of the institution where the maker’s account is located is referred to as the drawee institution. The bank’s name, city, and state are required.
Account Title
The account title is normally printed in the upper left corner of the check. It includes the name of the account holder and other information such as addresses, telephone numbers, and logos. The data in the title should be legible and sufficiently complete so that if the MICR data account number is destroyed, the drawee institution can refer to the account title in order to trace the account number.
Memo Line
This line is located in the lower left quadrant of the check, and is not required. Data printed here does not contain any legal significance. Printing in this area with magnetic toner should not extend downward into the MICR clear band which is 5/8 of an inch above the bottom of the check.
Check Serial Number
The check serial number is generally printed in the upper right quadrant of the check. Although the check number is not required for the check to be negotiable, the account holder and financial institution use these numbers to reconcile statements and stop payments. The check serial number should also appear a second time in the MICR line, and these numbers should match. The number of digits in the check serial number is controlled by the financial institution and the MICR line format. Consult your banking institution for their requirements.
Fractional Routing Number
The fractional routing number should be printed in a fractional format in the upper right quadrant of the check. This number is assigned to identify the Federal Reserve District and drawee institution. Consult with your bank for the proper routing number and format for each of your accounts.
ST Secure MICR Printer User’s Guide | 10 | 2006, Source Technologies |
March 2006 |
| All Rights Reserved |