topic Re: Do You Still Write Checks? in Community Chat

Do You Still Write Checks?

Kachina624 — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 22:57:07 GMT

I hear Target will discontinue accepting checks and experts predict it won't be long until they entirely disappear.

I dont write many but sometimes its necessary. For instance, last week I had a "yard man" and his crew come clean up my front yard. The only way I could pay him was by check.

I've used auto bill pay since the mid 90s when I got my first computer and bless it every month when I don't have to sit down and pay bills. I've saved a bundle in postage with never a bobble.

I know there are many people who can't use computer devices so I think they should keep check writing capability.

What do you think?

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Desertdi — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:04:19 GMT

My HOA will only take paper checks by mail.

I think they are "behind the times"...

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Snowpuppy — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:03:29 GMT

I write 2 checks a year for property taxes, no online option offered.

Everything else is paid online. Paper checks are free. I can send an EFT from my own accounts for large purchases where I used to use a cashier's check.

I haven't set foot in a bank in years.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Luvitorleaveit1 — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:04:38 GMT

I rarely write checks anymore either and when I do I mail them inside the post office. With almost everything online I might write one or two checks per month. I pay the gardner by check. I save on postage and checks since both have gone up in cost.

I can't imagine checks being eliminated, as you said some people still need to write checks for different reasons. I even use the apps for my church offering.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

willdob3 — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:06:08 GMT

@Kachina624 I haven't used paper checks for years. If I need to pay by check, my bank will send one for me, no charge. And it is tracked.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

september — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:07:49 GMT

Maybe two/month.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

KailaS — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:10:46 GMT

Because almost every local place charges a fee for using a credit card, I try to have cash with me. However, I sometimes do not know how much a car repair or appliance repair will cost, so I do write a check every so often. ( Of course, many bills are paid online too. )

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

PhilaLady1 — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:14:26 GMT

I write checks for property tax bills because the only other option other than mail is to drive to the county office and hand deliver the check.

I write checks for my HOA bills. They do have an online option but they charge a fee for that. No way am I paying them extra for online payment.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Shelbelle — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:14:06 GMT

Yes, for bills I dont pay online, for repairmen that come to my house and for cash gifts for my grand kids.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

TheWanderingOne — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:14:32 GMT

I write one every 6 weeks to my hair stylist. The shop where she works charges a fee to use credit cards and I'm not paying that, so I write her a check. That's it. Everything else is paid by credit card on auto pay.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Kachina624 — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:18:44 GMT

@Desertdi They're probably still doing manual bookkeping too.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Desertdi — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:24:24 GMT

@Kachina624 I BELIEVE THAT! They have actually posted WRONG payment amounts on their monthly statement.

@Kachina624 wrote:
@DesertdiThey're probably still doing manual bookkeping too.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

gidgetgh — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:36:31 GMT

Yes, I still write checks. I pay some bills by autopay to my credit card, same with HOA monthly assessment, some bills auto draft from my checking account and some I pay by check. I paid my car insurance a few weeks ago by check and I had some landscaping work done and paid that by check.

I don't see checks and postage stamps and cash as the enemy, as some do.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Goodie2shoes — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:44:28 GMT

I used to write checks for my church tithe but after running out I decided not to use checks anymore, paying online as I also do for my bills. It works very well for me.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Gorgf — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:54:19 GMT

I just wrote one today at the Veterinarian as I suspected a 3% charge for CC. compared to last year no problem. I brought my check book in case. My dentist is also charging for CC use. I bought a riding lawn mower in June at a Local Sales outlet and 6% for CC payment and VISA only. The mower was over $2000 so would have added alot more... It takes me an hour and 20 minutes to mow and my old mower was 30 years old. It all depends.....

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

sunshine45 — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:46:06 GMT

yes, i still write checks.....almost daily.......for personal expenses and for business expenses.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

ALRATIBA — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:53:18 GMT

Yes.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

rockygems123 — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 23:53:42 GMT

@Kachina624

I think predictions are correct, checks will be a thing of the past at some point and probably fairly soon.

And it's a bit worrisome about paper money too. Wonder when that will go away. We tend in our business to have some cash exchange, there are many that will only accept it.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

Kachina624 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:01:09 GMT

@rockygems123. I have a debit card I've used for years just like cash. Since it comes directly from my bank account, I have no CC bill to pay. It has the same protections as a CC.

Re: Do You Still Write Checks?

GenXmuse — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:01:29 GMT

Yes. For local tradesman, places that prefer cash or check, gifts, and donations.