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.