Why in the hell do people write checks?

[BengalDuck]

I'm a college kid living with three other of my friends. We split the bills but obviously we can only pay each with a single check. I use checks because I don't want to go to the bank to get $17.96 in cash, and we all use different banks so electronic transfers are a hassle.

(Well, to be honest, I know absolutely nothing about electronic transfers and whether they're easy or not, but there's no way they're easier than someone writing me a check and me going to deposit it.)

Anyways, there's at least 4-5 different bills to pay so I write 4-5 checks. Would never use them in a grocery store (which is the nature of your rant), but they do have a purpose, even in this day and age.

 

[Lau]

(Well, to be honest, I know absolutely nothing about electronic transfers and whether they're easy or not, but there's no way they're easier than someone writing me a check and me going to deposit it.)

Just as a heads up, if you have internet banking, it may be easier. I have no idea how it works outside the UK, but when I have to make a one-off payment to someone I log in, click on Money Transfer and you type in your mate's bank details there, save em, and type in the amount and say ok. Done.

Next time, their details are saved, and you just select "Dave" or whoever, and type in the amount and say send. It's rather fabulous, and although it takes a day or two to clear, it's quicker than a cheque.

 

[Jschultz]

I work at CircuitCity and see mostly plastic all day long. CD's, DVD's, TV's...doesn't matter, it's mostly all on credit. I've gone weeks without tendering any cash.

I still get lots of checks, but then again, my store is near a retirement community.

Not that it's wrong, but every so often I get an honest person paying for a $2000 TV in cash. Every time I look at them like some sort of drug dealer or convict, just my instinct. Heck, I've got $2 in my pocket now, ONLY because I'm buying fundraiser candybars for my teachers kid. she can't take debit!

 

[yg17]

I never use checks. I write, 5 a year, if that. I use my debit card for just about everything, cash at places that don't take debit, and online bill pay for my monthly bills.

 

[job]

I write checks if I'm buying something from a private party.

Can't really do that with a debit card. And it's nice to give them the check instead of saying "I'll wire you the money."

 

[sushi]

I used to write many checks. Past the 10,000 point a few years ago.

Now I don't write as many. Tend to use plastic most of the time.