Support Guide
A step-by-step guide to the MICR line on the bottom of a US check, including where to find the routing number, account number, and check number.
You do not need to leave this guide to run a structural check. Use the same validator here, then continue reading if you need more context.
Bank Details
Paste full bank details — routing number (ABA) and account will be detected automatically.
This tool validates format only. It does not verify whether the bank account exists or can receive payments.
The MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) line is the row of numbers printed in special magnetic ink at the very bottom of a US check. It contains three pieces of information in the same order from left to right: the routing number, the account number, and the check number.
The routing number is always the first 9-digit number, surrounded by a special routing symbol (⑆) on each side. The ⑆ symbols tell check-reading machines where the routing number begins and ends. The account number appears after the routing number, ending at the on-us symbol (⑈). The check number usually appears last.
The check number is the short 3- or 4-digit sequence that appears last on the MICR line and often also in the upper right corner of the check. It identifies this specific check — not your account. Do not confuse the check number with the account number.
The most common mistake is confusing the account number with the check number. Another common mistake is using the check routing number when a wire transfer requires a different routing number — always confirm the correct routing number for your specific transaction type with your bank.
Some checks — particularly business checks and cashier's checks — arrange the MICR line differently. If you are unsure, contact your bank directly to confirm your routing and account numbers rather than relying solely on check reading.
Routing numbers with a leading zero (such as 071000013) are sometimes incorrectly entered as 8 digits. If your routing number appears to be 8 digits, check whether a leading zero was dropped.
You do not need a physical check to find your routing and account numbers. Every US bank publishes its routing numbers on its website — usually under Direct Deposit, Routing Numbers, or FAQs. You can also find both numbers in your online banking portal under account details.
Mobile banking apps typically display your routing and account numbers in the account information section. Some banks also allow you to generate a direct deposit form as a PDF that includes pre-filled routing and account numbers.
If you are setting up direct deposit through an employer, you can often use a voided check instead — write VOID across the check and submit it. Alternatively, your bank can provide a direct deposit authorization letter with the correct numbers.
The MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) line is the row of special characters at the bottom of a US check, printed in magnetic ink so that check-sorting machines can read it at high speed. It contains the routing number, account number, and check number.
Account numbers vary by bank — most are between 8 and 12 digits, but the valid range is 4 to 17 digits. The routing number is always exactly 9 digits.
A voided check has VOID written across the front in large letters. This prevents it from being cashed, but the MICR line with the routing and account numbers remains readable for direct deposit or ACH setup.
This tool checks format only. It validates routing number structure and ABA checksum, but does not confirm that a bank account exists, is active, belongs to a person, or can receive payments. It does not perform financial, identity, or bank verification.
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Use the main validator when you need a fast structural check. Use support guides when you need deeper context, implementation detail, or troubleshooting help.
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