scope:

This standard specifies the location and background design of essential check data fields and is intended for all business size and personal size checks. Note that this standard equally applies to anything in between, in terms of document size, including all money orders, rebate checks, remotely created checks (commonly known as RCCs), WIC checks, etc. They may fall anywhere in between the referenced common sizes, but must also conform to the limitations of the MICR printing as specified in ANS X9.100-160-1, Magnetic Ink Printing (MICR).

Purpose

This standard establishes the specific location for the convenience amount (the value of the check expressed in numbers) and the background design for essential data fields (areas of interest), including the convenience amount rectangle and the MICR clear area, in support of accurate image capture and recognition of data in these critical areas of interest, which are necessary to transact using today's image capture and automated check processing systems.

This standard is intended to be compatible with existing check specifications and does not alter requirements for paper or MICR specifications. It is anticipated that all payment documents will adhere to applicable American National Standards as referenced in Clause 2.0 of this standard.