topic Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy in Community Chat

Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Icegoddess — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:36:29 GMT

Recently, there was a thread about how Synchrony Bank would be charging for paper statements. There were many who chided those of us who wanted paper statements and a lot of people who haven't written a check in years.

Well, today I stopped in at the alterations shop to have some clothes altered. When it came time to pay, I handed her my debit card and she said it would be a 4% upcharge for a card. Cash would be no added fee. I never have much cash on me so I was going to have to pay that 4%. Then she said a check would also be no added fee. Well, well, I so happen to keep my checkbook in my purse. This is not the first time I've seen an upcharge for using a card. Earlier this year, one of the nurseries I visited did it too, although they didn't mention whether a check would be the same as cash there.

I thnk this will happen more and more as businesses, especially small businesses, pass on those credit card fees to the customer.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

deeva — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:48:49 GMT

I always carry cash. Not going back to writing checks,
Too many ways a check can be compromised.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Kachina624 — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:44:07 GMT

@Icegoddess. I wonder if said seamstress is taking a nice tax deduction for "business expenses"?

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Jk9 — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:46:03 GMT

There are several businesses in our area that are charging for using a debit/credit card including our vet office and propane gas supplier. I always keep a small amount of cash and a check in my wallet for when I encounter this situation.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Kachina624 — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:46:09 GMT

@deeva wrote:
I'll start carrying cash before I write a check. Too many ways a check can be compromised.

@deeva I've never had a check compromised, have you ?

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

BlueFinch — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:48:23 GMT

Yes, I'm seeing this more often. We were pushed into cards almost everywhere, as being the best forms of payment. Uh, yeah, until we have to pay to use them.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

I am still oxox — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:50:07 GMT

I pay all my bills on line

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

deeva — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:50:52 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:

@deeva wrote:
I'll start carrying cash before I write a check. Too many ways a check can be compromised.
@deeva I've never had a check compromised, have you ?

No, but my family member did.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Bookplate — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:59:05 GMT

Every restaurant (including coffee shops) I have visited in NYC the last couple of years has included a credit card upcharge. Usually 3 to 4%. My friends and I now grab some cash before eating out.

And when I send a contribution to a charity via credit card they always ask if I would like to ante up a few more bucks to cover this fee.

Ironically, during the pandemic, when it was thought (erroneously) that COVID germs could be transferred on surfaces, many merchants refused to accept cash and insisted on cards. I would not be surprised if banks raised their cc transaction fees when this happened.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

conlt — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:05:11 GMT

Up until Covid, I always had cash in my wallet. With Covid I stopped using cash because I thought It would be contaminated. Lately, I have read that many young people are paying in cash now. Paying in cash appears to be a thing.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Sooner — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:08:39 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@Icegoddess. I wonder if said seamstress is taking a nice tax deduction for "business expenses"?

@Kachina624 Chances are she's not paying taxes. We get to pay them for her--which is a heck of a lot more than 4 percent.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Q-Checker — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:10:49 GMT

My oral surgeon now has an "up charge" for credit card use. I use checks for everything that is tax deductible in the event that my deductions are ever audited. Never had a problem with check use and the cost is minimal.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

gidgetgh — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:23:11 GMT

I use everything. I always carry cash. Always. I write checks for some bills. I pay some bills online with a credit card so I can get the points. I think there is merit to all of it. Multiple choices.

I'm not the least bit concerned with cash being contaminated. Germs are everywhere. On every surface.

I have stamps because I mail things. That seems to shock some people. It's really not a big deal.

I stopped using my debit card many years ago, I have one, but I don't use it. I get along great not using it.

To try to protect my checks as much as possible, I use the Uniball gel pen that supposedly makes it harder for checks to be washed or altered. I have been fortunate so far with no issues.

I think there is room in our lives for everything.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

rms1954 — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:16:31 GMT

Local gas station is offering less money for a gallon of gas if you pay cash.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

cindyNC — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:19:18 GMT

@rms1954 We have a lot of Circle K gas stations in our area. They have an offer where you get a card from them and the amount for the gas is taken directly from your account - you get a lower price for the gas. And it's 2-step authentication at the pump when you put your card in.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

BlueFinch — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:30:12 GMT

@gidgetgh wrote:
I use everything. I always carry cash. Always. I write checks for some bills. I pay some bills online with a credit card so I can get the points. I think there is merit to all of it. Multiple choices.

I'm not the least bit concerned with cash being contaminated. Germs are everywhere. On every surface.

I have stamps because I mail things. That seems to shock some people. It's really not a big deal.

I stopped using my debit card many years ago, I have one, but I don't use it. I get along great not using it.

To try to protect my checks as much as possible, I use the Uniball gel pen that supposedly makes it harder for checks to be washed or altered. I have been fortunate so far with no issues.

I think there is room in our lives for everything.

@gidgetgh When reading your post, it's almost word for word what I do. Glad to know I'm not alone in 'multiple' choices, too.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

CelticCrafter — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:32:38 GMT

Checks for medical bill co-pays, the bank bill pay option for all other bills, credit card for purchases and gas at Costco and medications at CVS, cash for everything else unless it's a big purchase for the house.

We don't have debit cards.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Kachina624 — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:33:11 GMT

I was just in a small local jewelry store built like Ft. Knox. Owner appears to work alone. He takes no cash or checks, only credit cards (no charge for use).

I assume he's been robbed.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:36:10 GMT

Our small business does NOT take any electronic payments, it's just to expensive on our end.

We deal mostly with business and industry so usuallly it's not an issue, but the occasional walk in customer I forwarn them and so far no problems.

Re: Keep Those Checkbooks Handy

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 22:37:14 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:

@deeva wrote:
I'll start carrying cash before I write a check. Too many ways a check can be compromised.
@deeva I've never had a check compromised, have you ?

I have been writing checks for 40+years and have never had a problem. I always have my check book with me.