A: Check Readers (also called check scanners) can be used with the Rapid Gift Entry system in FundRaiser Professional to read the bank account and check number from a check. The first time a check is scanned, the bank account is associated with the donor's account in an encrypted file.  The second time it is scanned, FundRaiser immediately opens that donor's record and is ready for you to enter the check amount.  See the FAQ on Rapid Gift Entry for more details on that process.

FundRaiser is compatible with most check readers.  Specifically, it reads the E13-B MICR character set. These are the characters at the bottom of the check that are printed in magnetic ink. The E13-B set is the one used in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Japan, India, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and the Far East. The other set (the CMC-7) is used in France, Spain, most Mediterranean countries and most other South American countries.

FundRaiser uses the 0000 format (the most common) in which the ‘Transit’ character is translated to ‘T’, the ‘On-Us’ character is translated to a ‘U’, and the dash appears as a ‘-’.  This format reads the full MICR line from the check as is. It does not try to interpret it. By default, most check readers sold in the US and Canada will adhere to these standards.

We have tested the MagTek miniMICR check reader with FundRaiser. As of June 2006, the price was about $250. We found this model to be very easy to install. You just unplug your keyboard from your computer. Plug the keyboard into the T-Adapter from the check reader, then plug the adapter into the keyboard port on your computer (and plug the check reader's AC adapter into a wall outlet). It's then ready to go.  This type of data connection that connects to the keyboard is called a "keyboard wedge".