How to Find IFSC Code on Cheque Book
Last updated: February 2026 · 3 min read
Your cheque book contains both the IFSC code and the MICR code of your bank branch. Here's exactly where to find them.
Cheque Layout — Where to Look
STATE BANK OF INDIA
Main Branch, Fort, Mumbai - 400001
IFSC: SBIN0003994 MICR: 400002002
Pay ________________________________________
Rupees ______________________________________
₹ ________
Illustration of a typical Indian bank cheque layout (not to scale)
Where is the IFSC Code on a Cheque?
The IFSC code is printed near the top of the cheque leaf, usually in the upper-left or upper-right area. It appears alongside:
- → Bank name and logo
- → Branch name and address
- → MICR code (the 9-digit numeric code)
The IFSC code is 11 characters long and looks like SBIN0003994 or HDFC0000001. It always starts with 4 letters (bank code), followed by a 0, followed by 6 characters (branch code).
Where is the MICR Code on a Cheque?
The MICR code is printed at the very bottom of the cheque in a special magnetic ink band. This band contains three sets of numbers:
| Position | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Left | 000123 | Cheque number |
| Centre | 400002002 | MICR code (9 digits) |
| Right | 12345678901 | Account number |
The numbers in the MICR band are printed using E-13B font with special magnetic ink. They look slightly different from regular printed numbers — this allows high-speed machines at clearinghouses to read them accurately.
IFSC vs MICR on a Cheque — Don't Confuse Them
| IFSC | MICR | |
|---|---|---|
| Location on cheque | Top area | Bottom band |
| Format | SBIN0003994 | 400002002 |
| Characters | 11 (letters + numbers) | 9 (numbers only) |
| Ink type | Regular ink | Magnetic ink |
| Used for | NEFT / RTGS / IMPS | Cheque clearing |
Read more: IFSC Code vs MICR Code — Complete Comparison
What If Your Cheque Doesn't Have an IFSC Code?
Some older cheque books (especially those issued before 2010) may not have the IFSC code printed on them. If your cheque book doesn't show the IFSC code, you can find it through these alternatives:
- → Check your bank passbook (first page)
- → Log in to net banking and check account details
- → Search on IFSC Lookup by bank name and branch
- → Request a new cheque book — modern cheques always include the IFSC code
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IFSC code the same on every cheque leaf?
Yes. The IFSC code is the same on every cheque leaf in your cheque book because it identifies your branch, not the individual cheque. Only the cheque number changes from leaf to leaf.
Can I use the IFSC from a cancelled cheque?
Yes. A cancelled cheque still has valid IFSC and MICR codes. In fact, cancelled cheques are commonly used as proof of bank account details (account number, IFSC, MICR) for loan applications, salary account setup, and investment registrations.
My bank merged — is the IFSC on my old cheque book still valid?
After a bank merger, old cheque books become invalid. Your new bank will issue new cheque books with updated IFSC codes. Don't use IFSC codes from old cheque books. Use our IFSC Validator to check if your code is still active.
Verify your IFSC code