When you look at your bank’s cheque book, you may notice a series of numbers printed at the bottom. One of them is the MICR Code. Many people use this code for bank forms, ECS mandates, and account verification, but very few know what it truly means.
This blog will help you understand what MICR is, why it is important, and how you can easily find your MICR code.
What Is MICR?
MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.
It is a 9-digit code printed at the bottom of bank cheques using a special magnetic ink.
The MICR code helps banks identify your bank branch quickly and accurately, especially during cheque clearing. This technology makes cheque processing faster, safer, and error-free.
Structure of a MICR Code
A MICR code is always 9 digits, and each part has a meaning:
- First 3 digits – City code
These 3 digits represent the city where your bank branch is located (same as the PIN code city). - Next 3 digits – Bank code
These digits represent your bank (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.) - Last 3 digits – Branch code
These digits indicate the exact branch of the bank.
Example:
If the MICR code is 400002006:
- 400 = Mumbai city
- 002 = Bank code (e.g., SBI)
- 006 = Branch code
Why MICR Code is Important?
MICR codes are used for:
Cheque clearing (speed and accuracy)
Setting up ECS/auto-debit instructions
NEFT/RTGS forms
Bank account verification
Preventing fraud during cheque processing
Because of its magnetic ink and special font, the MICR code can be easily read by machines, reducing human error.
How to Find Your MICR Code?
There are multiple simple ways to find your MICR number. You don’t need to visit the bank—just follow any of the options below.
1. Find MICR Code on Your Cheque Book
The easiest method.
- Look at the bottom of your cheque leaf.
- You’ll see three sets of numbers printed in magnetic ink.
- The middle 9-digit number is the MICR code.
Position on cheque:
Printed at the bottom center, next to the cheque number and IFSC.
2. Find MICR Code on Your Bank Passbook
Most banks print the MICR code on the first page of the passbook, along with:
- Account number
- IFSC
- Branch name
- Address
3. Find MICR Code Using Net Banking or Mobile App
Almost all banks display branch details inside their digital platforms.
Steps (general):
- Login to mobile app/Net banking
- Go to Account Details
- Look for Branch Information
- The MICR code will be mentioned along with IFSC
4. Find MICR Code on Official Bank Website
Banks publish branch-wise MICR details on their websites.
You can:
- Visit your bank’s official branch locator
- Enter branch name or city
- The MICR code will be displayed in the results
5. Find MICR Code Using RBI Website
RBI publishes verified IFSC + MICR data for all banks.
Steps:
- Go to RBI’s official website
- Open the IFSC/MICR Search
- Select Bank Name → State → District → Branch
- The MICR code appears in the search results
6. Check MICR Code on UPI Apps
Popular UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM also show MICR for some banks.
Steps:
- Open App
- Select Bank Account
- Tap on Bank Details
- MICR code (if available) will appear with IFSC
Difference Between MICR and IFSC Code
Many people confuse both, but they are completely different.
| Feature | MICR Code | IFSC Code |
| Digits | 9 digits | 11 characters |
| Purpose | Cheque processing | Online transfer (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS) |
| Usage | ECS, Cheque clearing | Digital payments |
| Printed on | Cheque | Cheque & Passbook |
| Technology | Magnetic ink recognition | Alphanumeric code |
Both are important, but they serve different banking functions.
Final Words
The MICR code is a crucial part of your banking identity, especially for cheque-related transactions and ECS mandates. Finding your MICR code is very easy—you can check it on your cheque book, passbook, mobile app, bank website, or RBI’s official portal.
Understanding your bank’s MICR code helps you complete financial forms accurately and ensures smooth cheque clearing