There are four major fonts used in check processing around the world: E-13B, CMC-7, OCR-A and OCR-B. OCR-A and OCR-B are mainly used in European countries. E-13B and CMC-7 are often called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) because they are required to print with magnetic ink, which enables bank to recognize the data through magnetic recognition (just as the way how your credit card is recognized). OCR-A and OCR-B data are inputted through optical recognition.
The E-13B font was developed and accepted as the standard by the ABA in 1958. E-13B is used mainly in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Columbia, as well as Europe, Central America, and Far East countries.
The CMC-7 font was developed by the French computer company Machines Bull and has been the official French standard since September 1964. Other countries using this font are found in Europe and South America.
The following table lists the usage around the world:
