What is MICR Code Means in Bank Account?

If you are a regular user of cheques, you might have noticed a series of numbers and symbols printed at the bottom of each cheque leaf. These are known as MICR codes, and they play an important role in the banking system.

We will explain what is MICR code in bank account, where can you find it in this article.

What is MICR code in bank account?

The MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) code plays an important role in ensuring the security and efficiency of the banking system. It helps to prevent fraud by verifying the authenticity of checks and other financial instruments, and it enables banks to process transactions quickly and accurately.

It also helps in reducing errors and frauds in cheque processing. Therefore, it is advisable to know the MICR code of your bank and branch and keep it handy for future reference.

MICR is a technology that uses magnetic ink to print characters on paper documents that can be read by special machines called MICR readers.

These readers capture the information encoded in the MICR code and use it to process transactions such as check clearing and fund transfers.

What is MICR code in bank account?

Each bank branch has a unique MICR code that identifies its location and routing information.

MICR codes are used to identify and verify the authenticity of checks and other financial documents.

A MICR code is a nine-digit code that consists of three parts:

• The first three digits represent the city or pin code where the bank branch is located.
• The next three digits represent the bank code or name.
• The last three digits represent the branch code or number.

For example, the MICR code for the Fort branch of DBS Bank in Mumbai is 400641002, where:

• 400 is the city code for Mumbai
• 641 is the bank code for DBS Bank
• 002 is the branch code for Fort branch

Where can I find MICR code of bank?

There are different ways to find the MICR code of a bank.

1. Check the bottom of your bank check: Look at the cheque book or the passbook issued by the bank. The MICR code is usually printed on the bottom left corner of a cheque or a passbook.
2. Visit the bank website: Most banks have their MICR code listed on their website. You can visit the bank website and search for the MICR code.
3. Contact the bank: If you cannot find the MICR code on your check or bank website, you can call the bank's customer service center and ask for the MICR code.
4. Use a MICR code search engine: There are several online MICR code search engines available where you can enter the bank name, branch location and other details to find the MICR code.

It is important to ensure that the MICR code is entered correctly when filling out a check or making a fund transfer. Errors or discrepancies in the MICR code can lead to delays or even rejection of the transaction. Therefore, it is advisable to double-check the MICR code before initiating any transaction to avoid any inconvenience or delay.

Why is the MICR Code Important?

The MICR code plays a crucial role in banking transactions, offering various practical applications and benefits that ensure the smooth processing of checks and reduce potential errors or fraud. Here are some key reasons why the MICR code is important:

• Facilitates Faster Check Clearing: The MICR code ensures quick and secure processing of checks through the clearing system, allowing funds to be transferred efficiently between banks.
• Helps Banks Identify Branches: It helps identify the specific bank branch from where the check or financial instrument was issued. This is vital for ensuring that the funds are routed to the correct destination.
• Reduces Errors and Fraud: By using magnetic ink technology to print the code, MICR helps minimize errors and fraudulent activities during the processing of checks. This enhances the security and accuracy of financial transactions.
• Mandatory for Inter-Bank Transactions: MICR codes are essential for all inter-bank check-based transactions, especially for clearing checks across different banks, ensuring smooth and error-free processing.

Comparison of MICR Code with Other Banking Codes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – MICR Code in Bank Account