A MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) code is a 9-digit number printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of a cheque. The first 3 digits identify the city, the next 3 the bank and the last 3 the branch. It lets cheque-sorting machines route the cheque for clearing.
Reading a MICR code
Digits 1–3: city code (often matches the PIN code prefix, e.g. 110 for Delhi, 400 for Mumbai).
Digits 4–6: bank code.
Digits 7–9: branch code.
MICR vs cheque number
The MICR band at the bottom of a cheque contains several numbers: the 6-digit cheque number, the 9-digit MICR code, a short account code and the transaction code. The MICR code is the 9-digit block.
How to find a branch from a MICR code
1Open the MICR search.
2Type the 9 digits from the bottom of the cheque.
3See the bank, branch, address and matching IFSC.
FAQ
Questions
Is MICR needed for online transfers?
No. NEFT, RTGS and IMPS use the IFSC. MICR is only for cheques.
Does every branch have a MICR code?
No. Only branches that issue MICR cheques have one; about 84% of branches in the RBI list do.
