Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, reviewstook.com earns from qualifying purchases. Links to Amazon on this page are affiliate links; they cost you nothing extra.
MICR toner and ink are used for printing checks. Check bank and printer requirements before buying.
This guide is built from Amazon product listings, not our own testing, so confirm specs, compatibility and current price on each product page.
Prices are approximate US dollar conversions of what Amazon showed on October 31, 2026.
Last updated: October 31, 2026.
Quick Picks
| Product | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Nano HP 67 MS MICR Black Ink Cartridge | MICR ink cartridge | For check printing on inkjet |
| Nano HP 65 MS MICR Black Ink Cartridge | MICR ink cartridge | For check printing on inkjet |
| Ampro 138A (W1380A) MICR Toner | MICR toner | For HP laser printers |
| VersaToner 134A (W1340A) MICR Toner | MICR toner | For HP LaserJet M209 series |
| Troy 4001/4101 MICR Toner | MICR toner | Secure standard yield |
How We Chose These Picks
We built this list from Amazon product listings. We did not buy, install or test any of these cartridges ourselves, and we have not printed or deposited any checks with them, so nothing here is a hands-on result. Each entry reflects what the listing says, the price shown on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026, and general knowledge about MICR printing.
The list covers two inkjet cartridges and three laser toners, because the right product depends on which type of printer you own. Each listing names a printer family or cartridge number, and that is the most important detail for this kind of product. We make no claim that any of these will pass a particular bank’s checks. Treat every figure as a snapshot and check the product page before you decide.
Our Picks
1. Nano HP 67 MS MICR Black Ink Cartridge
A Nano HP 67 MS MICR black ink cartridge for check printing, per the listing. It was shown at about $63 on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026.
Good for: For check printing on inkjet. Watch out: check printer model.
The Nano HP 67 MS is listed as a MICR black ink cartridge for check printing. The 67 in the name matches an HP cartridge number, which suggests it is for printers that take that cartridge. The MS in the product name is not explained in the listing summary we worked from, so check the product page for what it means. MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition: the ink contains magnetic material so bank equipment can read the characters along the bottom of a check.
At about $63 it is the lowest-priced item in this guide, and it is aimed at inkjet owners who print checks in small quantities. The trade-off in our summary is to check your printer model, and that is the key step. A cartridge number alone does not guarantee that it works with your printer, firmware or the way you print. Before buying, find the cartridge number your printer uses, compare it with the number in the listing, and read about page yield, whether the cartridge is new or remanufactured, and what the return terms are. Ask your bank or check-stock supplier whether your printing setup meets their requirements, because the ink is only one part of a check that passes through banking equipment.
2. Nano HP 65 MS MICR Black Ink Cartridge
A Nano HP 65 MS MICR black ink cartridge for check printing, per the listing. It was shown at about $100 on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026.
Good for: For check printing on inkjet. Watch out: check printer model.
The Nano HP 65 MS is the second inkjet option, listed as a MICR black ink cartridge for check printing and matching the HP 65 cartridge number. It is the same type of product as the HP 67 version but for printers that use a different cartridge number, so the two are not interchangeable. It was shown at about $100 on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026, which is noticeably more than the HP 67 listing.
It suits an inkjet owner whose printer takes the 65 cartridge. Our summary says to check the printer model, and here that means matching the cartridge number to your printer, not choosing by price. Do not buy the cheaper 67 cartridge if your printer takes the 65. Before buying, check the printer’s own documentation or the label on your current cartridge, and compare yields and prices with other MICR sources, since the listing is the only detail we used. A cartridge can dry out if it sits unused, so think about how often you print checks.
3. Ampro 138A (W1380A) MICR Toner
An Ampro compatible 138A MICR / W1380A MICR toner cartridge for check printing in laser printers, per the listing. It was shown at about $126 on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026.
Good for: For HP laser printers. Watch out: check printer model.
The Ampro 138A (W1380A) is described as a compatible 138A MICR toner cartridge for check printing in laser printers. Compatible means it is not made by the printer manufacturer. The 138A and W1380A designations are cartridge numbers, and we summarise the pick as being for HP laser printers. The listing is our only source, so check which printer models it lists.
At about $126 it is the middle of the price range and the cheaper of the laser options here. It suits a small office or business with a compatible HP laser printer that prints a regular batch of checks. The main caution is to check your printer model, and it is a real one: many laser printers use chips or firmware that can reject non-standard cartridges, so confirm compatibility with the exact model. Before buying, compare the cartridge number to the one in your printer, check the stated page yield, check whether the cartridge includes a chip, and read the return policy. Also ask your bank about any requirements for printed checks, as toner type is only one of the factors that decide acceptance.
4. VersaToner 134A (W1340A) MICR Toner
A VersaToner 134A (W1340A) MICR toner cartridge for check printing, compatible with HP LaserJet M209 series, per the listing. It was shown at about $200 on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026.
Good for: For HP LaserJet M209 series. Watch out: check printer model.
The VersaToner 134A (W1340A) is a MICR toner cartridge for check printing, described in the listing as compatible with the HP LaserJet M209 series. That is the clearest compatibility statement in the guide, since it names a printer family. If your printer is not in the M209 series, this cartridge is probably not the right one, and you should look for a different cartridge number.
It was shown at about $200, so it costs more than the Ampro. It suits an owner of a LaserJet in the M209 series who wants a toner that is listed specifically for it. Our summary says to check your printer model, and the model number is printed on the front or back of the printer, so look there before ordering. A series name covers several variants, so check that your exact model is named in the listing or the seller’s compatibility list. Before buying, compare the yield and the price per page with other options, see whether the cartridge includes a chip and what the seller says about compatible firmware, and check the return and warranty terms.
5. Troy 4001/4101 MICR Toner
A Troy 4001/4101 MICR toner secure standard yield cartridge for check printing, per the listing. It was shown at about $254 on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026.
Good for: Secure standard yield. Watch out: high price.
The Troy 4001/4101 is listed as a MICR toner secure standard yield cartridge for check printing. Troy is a name associated with secure check printing, but the listing is the only source we used, and we did not verify anything about the brand. Secure in the listing refers to the toner type or its use in secure check printing, so read the product page to see what that covers, and do not assume it means anything about the security of your own checks.
At about $254 it is the most expensive item in this guide, and we flag the high price. The numbers 4001 and 4101 appear to refer to printer models or cartridge families, and the listing should tell you which printers it fits. Because it is a standard yield cartridge, a high-yield option may exist, and it is worth comparing cost per page. It suits a business that prints checks regularly and wants a cartridge listed for the printers it matches. Before buying, confirm that your exact printer model is named, read about page yield, and check the return policy. If you print few checks, the cost may be hard to justify.
How to Choose
MICR printing puts the numbers along the bottom of a check, the routing and account numbers, in magnetic ink so banking machines can read them. You need the right supplies, the right check stock and the right setup. This guide is general and hedged: banks and printer makers set their own requirements, so confirm everything for your exact printer model and bank before you buy.
Printer match
This is the most important step. Find the exact model name and number of your printer, then the cartridge number it takes. Cartridges that look alike can be physically different or use different chips, and a wrong match can mean error messages, no printing or poor results. Look for compatibility lists in the product listing and ask the seller if you are unsure. Some printers do not work well with third-party or MICR supplies at all, so check the printer maker’s guidance too.
Inkjet or laser
Choose the right cartridge type for your printer. Inkjet printers use ink cartridges, such as the HP 67 and HP 65 types in this guide, and laser printers use toner cartridges, such as the three toners here. Toner is generally favoured for regular, higher-volume check printing, and inkjet cartridges can dry out if left unused, but both can work if matched properly. Do not try to use one in the other type of printer.
Compliance
Follow your bank rules. Banks and clearing systems expect characters printed to certain standards, using specific fonts and positions, on appropriate check stock. Ask your bank whether it accepts checks you print yourself and what it requires. Failing to meet them can lead to rejected checks. A product listing that says it is for check printing is not the same as approval from your bank.
Check stock and software
MICR supplies are only part of the system. You also need blank check stock that meets the standards, and software that can print the MICR line using an E-13B-style MICR font in the right position. Some accounting programs include check printing, while others need an add-on. Check that your software and font suit the toner or ink you plan to use.
Running costs and yield
Compare the cost per page, not only the cartridge price. A higher-priced cartridge with a larger yield may cost less per check than a cheaper one. Because MICR toner is used only for the numbers along the bottom of each check, a cartridge may last a long time, but ask the seller about yield as well. If you print only occasionally, consider a printing service instead.
Supply availability and warranty
Check whether the cartridge is easy to buy again. A product you cannot reorder is a problem when you run out mid-month. Read the return terms, and ask what happens if the printer rejects it. Third-party cartridges can affect the printer manufacturer’s warranty in some cases, so check your printer’s terms.
Security
Checks are a target for fraud. Store blank check stock and MICR cartridges securely, limit who can print checks, and keep records of printed batches.
Common mistakes
- Buying by cartridge appearance or price without confirming the exact printer model.
- Mixing up inkjet and laser products.
- Assuming that MICR supplies alone make a check acceptable to a bank.
- Leaving an inkjet MICR cartridge unused for long periods.
- Ignoring check stock and font requirements.
Tips and Troubleshooting
These are general tips. Follow your printer maker’s and your bank’s instructions where they differ.
Start with a test on plain paper, and then on a spare check, before printing a real batch. Check alignment, because the MICR line must sit within a tolerance of the bottom edge of the check. Print on the check stock as directed, and handle sheets by the edges to keep toner and ink clean.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Printer rejects the cartridge: check the cartridge number against your printer, and look for firmware or chip-related messages. Contact the seller with the model number.
- Faint or uneven characters: shake a toner cartridge gently as its instructions advise, check the toner level, and make sure the print settings are right for the paper.
- Smudged print: let the ink dry, or use paper suited to the printer type.
- Characters rejected by the bank: ask the bank what the problem was, and check position, font and stock.
- Streaks on checks: a worn drum, a dirty printer path or a faulty cartridge may be the cause. Check the printer’s maintenance guidance.
Safety and handling
Toner is a fine powder, so avoid breathing it and clean spills with a damp cloth or a vacuum designed for toner, as the maker advises. Store cartridges in their packaging away from heat and moisture, and out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MICR product here is the cheapest?
Going by the prices shown on Amazon.com on October 31, 2026, the Nano HP 67 MS MICR black ink cartridge was the cheapest at about $63. That is an inkjet cartridge, so it only helps if your printer takes the HP 67. Prices change, so use the Check on Amazon button to see the current price.
Which products are for laser printers?
The Ampro 138A (W1380A), the VersaToner 134A (W1340A) and the Troy 4001/4101 are the laser toners in this guide, according to their listings. The two Nano cartridges are for inkjet printers. Check the compatibility details on each product page against your exact printer model before ordering.
What does MICR mean?
MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition. It is the technology that lets bank equipment read the account and routing numbers printed along the bottom of a check. The ink or toner contains magnetic material for this purpose. It is different from ordinary printer ink, so standard cartridges are generally not a substitute.
Will my bank accept checks I print with these?
We cannot say. Banks set their own requirements for printed checks, including the stock, the font and the position of the MICR line, and a product being sold for check printing does not mean your bank approves it. Ask your bank before printing checks you intend to deposit or send.
Can I use the cartridge in any HP printer?
No. Cartridges are made for specific printers or families, and the HP 67 and HP 65 products are different cartridges. The VersaToner listing names the HP LaserJet M209 series. Check the cartridge number and the exact model of your printer, and read the compatibility details on the listing.
Is toner or ink better for printing checks?
Toner is commonly used for regular check printing on laser printers, while inkjet MICR cartridges suit lower volumes and printers that already take those cartridges. Neither is better in every case. Inkjet cartridges can dry out if unused for long. Choose the type that matches the printer you own, as you cannot swap one for the other.
Do I need special paper and software too?
Usually yes. Printed checks need suitable check stock, and you need software or a template that prints the MICR line in the correct font and position. Many accounting programs support this, while others need an add-on. Confirm that your software, check stock and chosen supplies work together before printing a full batch.
Bottom Line
For inkjet, the Nano HP 67 or 65. For laser, the Ampro 138A or VersaToner 134A.
The right choice depends mostly on your printer. For an inkjet that takes the HP 67 or HP 65 cartridge, the two Nano MICR cartridges are the options here, with the HP 67 at the lower price. For a laser printer, the Ampro 138A and the VersaToner 134A are listed for HP laser printers, and the VersaToner names the M209 series; the Troy 4001/4101 costs the most. Whichever you consider, match the cartridge number to your printer and ask your bank what it requires. Use the Check on Amazon buttons to see current prices and compatibility details.
More Printer Guides
- Best DTF Printers
- Best ID Card Printers
- Best Printer Ink Refill Kits
- Best Printhead Cleaning Kits
- Best Glossy Paper for Laser Printers
- Best 3D Printers
- Best 3D Printers for Beginners
- Best 3D Printers Under $300
- Best 3D Printers Under $500
- Best 3D Printers Under $1000
- All 3D printer guides