Find Branch Address By MICR

What is the format of the MICR code?

Every MICR code is uniquely formatted. It consists of a 9-digit code that is used to identify the bank branch during the electronic clearance system or ECS. Let’s decode this 9-digit code and understand its format. The first 3-digits signify the city code. The next 3-digits represented the bank code. And the last 3-digits depict the branch code. For instance, the MICR code of one of the Mumbai SBI branches may look something like 400002001. Here 400 represents the city of Mumbai, 002 stands for the bank code of SBI and lastly, 001 represents the branch code.

These codes are easily readable by the machines or the MICR readers. These readers recognize the unique waveform generated by the magnetic ink characters even if it is overprinted or stamped multiple times.

Where can you find the MICR code?

Finding the MICR code is not a tough job. Below are the ways in which you can find your bank branch’s MICR code easily.

On the checkbook : A lot of valuable details are mentioned in your checkbook/passbook. One can easily find the MICR code printed at the footer area of the checkbook. To be even more precise, it can be seen next to the 6-digit number called the cheque number. You can also find the MICR code printed on the first page of your bank account book.

At the RBI website : If you do not have a checkbook or can’t take up the hassle of finding one, then gaze through the official RBI website for the MICR code of all the India bank branches.

Third-party websites : Another simplest way is to use a third-party website like MyBankDetails.com. Some information such as state, district, bank name and branch name will be asked to be picked up from the drop-down menu. Once these details are mentioned, the MICR code of your bank branch will be displayed to you.

What is the use of MICR code?

RBI understood the possibilities of human errors and delays in manual cheque clearance. Hence, RBI developed this unique 9-digits code that is machine-readable and has zero chances of errors. Thus, paving the way to an efficient and effective financial system. MICR code is also used while filling up various transaction forms such as SIP etc. RBI has introduced the MICR code to also reduce paper-based clearing process. With the introduction of MICR, the processing time of cheques has reduced considerably.

One may get confused over the IFSC code and the MICR code. The IFSC code is entirely different from the MICR code. Unlike MICR codes which are used during cheque clearance, IFSC codes are used for the bank to bank electronic fund transfers. Both of these codes play a vital role in authenticating the source of a transaction.