MICR Code — What Is It, Format & How to Find

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. It is a 9-digit code printed at the bottom of cheque leaves in special magnetic ink that can be read by automated cheque processing machines. It is used primarily for cheque clearing — not for digital fund transfers.

MICR Code Format (9 Digits)

Example: 400002009

• 400 → Mumbai (city code)
• 002 → State Bank of India (bank code)
• 009 → A specific SBI branch in Mumbai

Where Is the MICR Code on a Cheque?

The MICR code is printed in the MICR band at the bottom of the cheque leaf, typically between the cheque number and the account number. It appears in a distinctive font (E-13B) that is readable by magnetic scanners.

Cheque bottom line (left to right):

[Cheque number] ⟨ [MICR code] ⟩ [Account number]

The numbers appear in slightly spaced magnetic ink (usually black). Your MICR code is the middle 9-digit group.

Major City MICR Codes in India

These are the 3-digit city codes used as the first three digits of MICR codes:

Note: MICR city codes are assigned by RBI. The city code corresponds to the PIN code prefix of the city. For cities not listed here, check RBI's official MICR directory.

MICR Code vs IFSC Code — Key Differences

Where to Find MICR Code

1. Cheque leaf — Bottom of every cheque, middle 9-digit group
2. Bank passbook — First page usually has MICR code alongside IFSC
3. Net banking — Account details section may show MICR
4. RBI website — MICR directory downloadable from RBI site
5. Bank's branch — Ask the branch directly for the MICR code
6. Bank's website — Branch locator sections often list MICR + IFSC

When Is MICR Code Required?

MICR code is used in very specific situations:

• Cheque clearing — When you deposit a cheque, the bank uses MICR to process it automatically
• ECS (Electronic Clearing System) mandates — Some older ECS forms (like loan auto-debit, SIP) ask for MICR code instead of IFSC
• NACH mandate forms — National Automated Clearing House forms may include MICR field
• Some government forms — Certain older government payment forms ask for MICR code

For most digital transactions (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI), you need the IFSC code, not the MICR code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MICR code and IFSC code the same? No. They are completely different codes used for different purposes. MICR is for cheque clearing (physical cheques). IFSC is for digital fund transfers. Both are branch-specific, but different.

Which is more important — MICR or IFSC? For modern banking (digital payments), IFSC is far more important. MICR is relevant mainly for cheque-based transactions. Most people will never need to manually use a MICR code.

Can I use MICR code for NEFT transfer? No. NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS require the IFSC code, not MICR code. MICR is for cheque processing only.

My SIP form is asking for MICR code — where to find it? Check the bottom of any cheque leaf from your bank account. The 9-digit number in the middle of the MICR band at the cheque's bottom is your branch's MICR code. You can also ask your bank branch or check your passbook.

What if I enter a wrong MICR code on an ECS form? ECS/NACH with wrong MICR code will likely fail — the direct debit mandate won't activate. Contact the institution (bank/mutual fund/insurer) to correct the MICR code in their records using a fresh cancelled cheque.