Earlier this week I read an intriguing blog post on wisebread.com, “Ask the Readers: Are Checks a Thing of the Past? (Chance to win $20!).” It’s not the $20 that grabbed me, but the idea of checks being a thing of the past. I reminisced back to how excited I was to receive my first set of checks. These were no ordinary checks, they were University of Miami (“U” imprinted) personal checks.
Back then, I was happy to write checks and show my school spirit. Today, I write fewer checks and order the free ones. I only write checks for items like school tuition, church, donations and homecare services.
Here are 3 reasons why checks are becoming archaic:
- The Information Age has impacted the way we do business. We are all about speed and writing a check is simply too time consuming.
- Online Banking. The convenience of paying your bills online helps you schedule automatic payments, reduce paper (eco-friendly) and minimize expenses.
- Debit Cards and Credit Cards. It’s more convenient and faster to slide and go.
Plus, if you’re shopping and take out your checkbook in line – you may be faced with grueling stares or disgruntled looks by those who happen to be in a rush.
Do you think checks are becoming archaic? Please share any thoughts you have using comments.
Photo: Bryluen
This is something near and dear to my heart. Absolutely agree. I haven’t had a checkbook for 5-6 years. That may be a bit extreme, but other than having to give a gift check ( wedding, birthday etc..) I cannot think of a place where an online check isn’t better than paper check.
1. Its usually faster (most payments are electronically linked)
2. Cheaper (postage and time for you, processing for the recipient)
3. More secure (losing a checkbook is a greater possibility than losing an online check)
4. Easier in terms of bookkeeping, when you write a online check as opposed to a paper check, there is a more descriptive line entry on your bank statement.
5. General ease of sending a check once the payee has been set up.
Mr. T
Mr. T, thanks for contributing your thoughts. I really like your #1, because it can be lightning fast (as short as one day) when you pay online versus mailing it.
Checks are almost totally gone for me too especially since I use ING and if someone ‘needs’ a paper check I can have ING send it.
I only write checks now to put money in church like you do since I hate to touch cash.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lulu! I hope to see you back on GainMoneyControl.com. I will check out your blog as well. 🙂
I do feel that checks are somewhat ‘archaic’ however, I am still a user but
a. not while I’m standing in any line that should have rapid movement…..lol
b. or mailing any bills via the postal service….I’m a big fan of online banking
My checks are used mostly for church donations, house repairs and the such…
…I am also a user of postage stamps which seems to also be ‘archaic’. My use is for personal items such as greeting cards or family pictures…
Thanks for commenting on this post Sharmion! I know what you mean by standing in a line “that should have rapid movement.” That’s usually the point when I start eyeing other checkout lines. 😀
I agree I only use checks for tuition, child transport and church donations. A book of checks can easily last me for nearly a year. The only thing that I use less frequently than checks are postage stamps. I pay all of my bills through automated bill pay or online.
Monica, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Wow, one year for a book of checks.
@Monica, yeah, WOW on one year for 1 book of checks….I thought I was doing good for the whole box for one year…lol
England is doing away with paper checks by 2018. Here’s the link
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8414341.stm
Thanks for sharing the news Sonya! That’s interesting, I wonder what will happen with paychecks. The article seems to focus on checks being used for purchases.