Abstract: A character recognition system for selectively reading and identifying a plurality of characters printed in magnetic ink on a first document and a second document. The documents being bank checks and the like. The system used with reader/sorter equipment for delivering data to an on-line computer. The system characterized by the ability to store all of the character codes of the magnetic ink characters on the documents, compare the character codes and logically edit the codes. The result of the system provides the reader/sorter equipment with a superior performance due to fewer rejects and misread characters.