Paper Checks Are Dead. Cash Is Dying. who Still Uses Them?

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

In a few years, comically oversized foam-board novelty checks will be the last remaining evidence of a 20th-century icon, as the paper check goes the way of the landline phone and the floppy disk. In 2000, 6 out of every 10 noncash purchases, gifts and paid bills were handled with checks. A mere two decades later, just 1 in 20 are.

Posted by tonyroma at 11:31 AM | 91 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

Alternate links: Google News | Twitter

Comments

Admin's note: Participants in this discussion must follow the site's moderation policy. Profanity will be filtered. Abusive conduct is not allowed.

As recently as 2003, the Federal Reserve ran 45 check-processing locations in which brigades of workers routed each check. A decade later, it was operating just one, in Atlanta, as check usage fell and the Fed executed a long-planned transition to a largely electronic system.

As recently as 2017, cash was still king. The following year, it was usurped by the debit card. And then covid-19 hit and made us all a little more reluctant to meet in person and pass objects back and forth. Now cash is used far less frequently than it was just five years ago.

I pretty much exclusively stopped using cash during the pandemic, using debit and credit cards - 'tappable' with chips being my preference. Every now and then I might get $40 in cash during a debit transaction and in most cases, this money might last a month or more.

Because I get instant notifications on all my accounts I never worry about fraud or malfeasance and having no cash comes in quite handy when confronted by panhandlers or street sellers of unwanted goods. Since I've stopped dealing in cash I've also watched as my coin bank has become obsolete. Such is progress.

#1 | Posted by tonyroma at 2023-09-18 02:15 PM | Reply

I still use checks for some large purchases like when I had to replace my HVAC system. Saves the contractors some money on card fees and gives me a record of having paid them when I get a photo of the cashed check from my bank.

That said I'd never pull out my check book at the grocery store like the boomer generation was wont to do.

#2 | Posted by qcp at 2023-09-18 02:23 PM | Reply

It's been great since my meth dealer switched to Venmo.

#3 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2023-09-18 02:34 PM | Reply

Cash --- I've had the same few bills (various denominations) in my wallet for three or four years. I cannot remember the last time I paid cash for anything.

Paper checks --- I still use them occasionally. For example, a couple of weeks ago to pay the lawn mower service person who did some maintenance on the mower. I also use paper checks to pay the town's property taxes because the town adds a surcharge for credit cards.

But mostly, my money transactions are checkless and cashless.

#4 | Posted by LampLighter at 2023-09-18 02:40 PM | Reply

I still use checks to payoff credit card bills (2 a month).

#5 | Posted by a_monson at 2023-09-18 02:40 PM | Reply

Customers better not expect me to swipe a card for them before a lap dance.

#6 | Posted by Tor at 2023-09-18 03:10 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Use cash to save small business money and protect your personal right to spend money for anything legal you may need or want, and not what some bureaucrat or public servant ruler and others may think you should do with it. It is yours as you earned it. No one else's.

#7 | Posted by Robson at 2023-09-18 03:13 PM | Reply

Unhinged.

#8 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2023-09-18 03:36 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

I only have cash for gratuity on haircuts and valet parking.

#9 | Posted by GOnoles92 at 2023-09-18 04:16 PM | Reply

I live in a small town. The utilities I buy from do not have offices here. I pay them by check through the mail.

Once I had a small 3 room apartment when I was just starting out on my own. I got a power bill for $1000. Took me a day off work to get it straightened out. Seems they billed the whole street for business power bills. Had it been drawn out of my bank directly, would have been another pain to get the money back. Just starting out on my own, I would not have had the money to buy food and that power bill. I swore then to never let anyone into my bank account. I hold to that to this day.

#10 | Posted by BBQ at 2023-09-18 06:53 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Paper Checks are Dead. Cash is Dying. Who Still Uses Them?

LOL The government! To pay for my hangar I can ONLY pay with a paper check, some banks will auto pay via paper checks.

My gardener gets paid via paper check, my daughters horseback riding lessons instructor, and my flight instructors prefer paper check.

It is yours as you earned it. No one else's.

#7 | POSTED BY ROBSON

Exactly, trying to avoid the "fees" associated with any third party financial service. Basically cashless is a "fee" for the provider, I know some places charge extra for paying cashless.

Just starting out on my own, I would not have had the money to buy food and that power bill. I swore then to never let anyone into my bank account. I hold to that to this day.

I control this with multiple bank accounts, deposit into secondary enough for overhead.

WOW, man of the people. I always try to have some cash on hand, typically pay for my coffee with cash, and give change to people begging outside.

#11 | Posted by oneironaut at 2023-09-18 08:09 PM | Reply

Cash has its place where only cash will do.

And an increasing number of small vendors and businesses are going cash only.

I don't write many checks but I do use my checking account number if I want to avoid a fee.

Unless you want to see the government be so far up your...you can taste it...I suggest you continue using and support cash.

There are those people who actually want the government in your life from cradle to grave.

#12 | Posted by BillJohnson at 2023-09-18 10:03 PM | Reply

I use cash for almost all transactions in town. Not going to screw them of 3% or more for the credit card fee.

#13 | Posted by mattm at 2023-09-18 10:07 PM | Reply

Who still uses cash? Ah, people with a fully functioning brain. I see all the libs proudly spouting how they use cashless payment systems while whining about 'big banks'. Well --------, every time you pay with credit, you are giving that big bank 1-3% upfront for literally no risk. This is the fee they directly charge to the merchant simply for completing the transaction and in addition to the 20%+ monthly interest you will pay. Debt cards are even worse - again, about 1% merchant fee where a bank has literally ZERO risk on that money. Look at this with the velocity of money assuming the upper range of 3% fee (assuming everything is AMEX)

You spend $100 at the gas station, the merchant received $97
The gas station spends the $97 for beverages in stock, the beverage supplier receives $94.
The beverage supplier spends $94 to buy empty bottles, the bottle supplier receives $91.

So, after only 3 transaction, almost 10% of the initial money has been stripped out of the economy as profits for the big banks.

And you -------- wonder why the banks keep getting richer AND WANT you to go cashless.

This is not even going into the fact the government and business want to implement a social credit system like in China. Say the wrong thing online, your cashless payments are no longer accepted.

Cashless payments is the dumbest thing you -------- have supported in a long, long time.

#14 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-18 10:45 PM | Reply

The beverage supplier spends $94 to buy empty bottles, the bottle supplier receives $91

You expect the local Pepsi bottling plant to buy empty bottles with cash?

#15 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-18 10:56 PM | Reply

"You expect the local Pepsi bottling plant to buy empty bottles with cash?
#15 | POSTED BY REDIAL"

This is not a literal example ------- - but, they could do it by writing a check that would not result in a 3% merchant charge.

#16 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-18 10:59 PM | Reply

You think Pepsi is paying for bottles with a credit card? Do you know what a Purchase Order is?

#17 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-18 11:01 PM | Reply

"You think Pepsi is paying for bottles with a credit card? Do you know what a Purchase Order is?
#17 | POSTED BY REDIAL"

Again, not a literal example ------- - just used to demonstrate how your money is taken by the big banks in fees and you liberal -------s think this is a good thing.

Current US credit card debt is $1T. In just ringing up this amount (without considering this is partially paid monthly), the big banks racked up between $10B and $30B in merchant fees alone - which they pass on to you in higher prices.

See the forest for the trees -------.

#18 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-18 11:09 PM | Reply

Again, not a literal example -------

Nope, just the usual stuff you pull out of your ass. We're used to it.

#19 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-18 11:14 PM | Reply

Nope, just the usual stuff you pull out of your ass. We're used to it.
#19 | POSTED BY REDIAL

As you have the comprehension skills of a spectrum 10 year old, I will re-write my example for you:

You spend $100 at a mom and pop fresh juice shop, the merchant received $97
The mom and pop fresh juice shop spends the $97 for fresh fruits from the local mom and pop grocer, the mom and pop grocer receives $94.
The mom and pop grocer spends the $94 at a restaurant, the restaurant receives $91.

Can you see the forest for the trees now -------? If not, continue to let the big banks rob you blind and just stop whining about it as you are enabling it.

#20 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-18 11:19 PM | Reply

Can you see the forest for the trees now -------?

I can see you have no idea how business supply chains work, but that's no surprise since you are obviously not very bright.

#21 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-18 11:22 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I can see you have no idea how business supply chains work, but that's no surprise since you are obviously not very bright.
#21 | POSTED BY REDIAL

Not talking about the supply chain, ReDial.

He's outlining how fees send money to third parties, it removes capital from local to global.

Do you have gas stations in Canada where if you pay cash you get a cheaper price per gallon?

If you don't good luck in the land of authoritarianism and big corporations.

#22 | Posted by oneironaut at 2023-09-18 11:31 PM | Reply

having no cash comes in quite handy when confronted by panhandlers
#1 | POSTED BY TONYROMA

Kinda surprised me too. They're not all grifters. And certainly TonyRoma is aware of why many people are out there doing what they do. But I guess, "I have no cash," sounds better than "---- off, leave me alone."

#23 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2023-09-18 11:33 PM | Reply

Do you have gas stations in Canada where if you pay cash you get a cheaper price per gallon?

I have no idea. I've never noticed any. Certainly never met a pump you could feed coins into.

#24 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-18 11:37 PM | Reply

"Not talking about the supply chain, ReDial.
He's outlining how fees send money to third parties, it removes capital from local to global
#22 | POSTED BY ONEIRONAUT"

Believe me - this ------- knows this 100% already. However, the standard liberal comment style on this website is to try to make a point about something wholly unrelated to the topic being discussed and then to sit back with a slack-jawed grin like they made some profound point. This ------- does it - Danforth does it. It is a way to try to salvage their fragile egos when they know they don't have the intellect to actually engage in the topic. It is what it is.

#25 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-18 11:41 PM | Reply

"having no cash comes in quite handy when confronted by panhandlers
#1 | POSTED BY TONYROMA

"I have no cash," sounds better than "---- off, leave me alone."

#23 | POSTED BY DBT2"

I was going to wait for another liberal to jump and make this same point before I give my comment on it. This is Exhibit 1 on Drudge Retort liberalism.

When it comes to OUR TAX MONEY - these -------- cannot give it away fast enough to every crazy social spending program imagined.

However, when it comes to their money, they are unwilling to actually give it away freely. If it is not a good idea to give you money directly to the homeless guy (excuse me, 'unsheltered'), then why is it a good idea for you to give OUR tax dollars to the same people but through a middleman taking a cut of the action?

#26 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-18 11:45 PM | Reply

" It is a way to try to salvage their fragile egos when they know they don't have the intellect to actually engage in the topic."

Aren't you the guy who swore we were in a recession again and again and again, and when the numbers kept coming out proving you wrong, your answer was the gub'mint iz lain' to us!

Seems like you don't have the intellect to actually know the definition and stick to it.

#27 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 12:04 AM | Reply

"Seems like you don't have the intellect to actually know the definition and stick to it.
#27 | POSTED BY DANFORTH"

This is rich coming from a Democrat. Tell me, what is the definition of a recession?

#28 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 12:13 AM | Reply

"Tell me, what is the definition of a recession?"

Two consecutive quarters of negative growth.

Now, tell me: since you referenced a discussion we had long before Claudio came on the scene, what other name(s) have you posted under?

#29 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 12:19 AM | Reply

"This is rich coming from a Democrat."

I'm not a Democrat, nor have I ever been.

I'm more of a Jack Danforth Republican, which was my first sign-on name. When RCade demanded all posts be authored, I shortened it to Danforth.

#30 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 12:21 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

""Tell me, what is the definition of a recession?"
Two consecutive quarters of negative growth.
#29 | POSTED BY DANFORTH"

Is this the same definition that the Biden administration uses?

#31 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 12:21 AM | Reply

"Is this the same definition that the Biden administration uses?"

It's not the one YOU use.

That allows you to pretend the numbers don't prove you wrong.

#32 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 12:24 AM | Reply

"It's not the one YOU use.
#32 | POSTED BY DANFORTH"

I am contending that the government's numbers are a made-up even using the definitional changes to inflation that the government has done to cheat SS recipients out of their COLA. For the Biden admin, they added in employment numbers in declaring the last recession was not a recession - which is why you refuse to answer that question. For the US currently, the government is lying about inflation - if actually calculated using pricing changes, we are already in a recession. This is clearly shown in the US public feeling about the economy and direction of the country. Overall, 'direction of the country' is polling as a -56% rate. This is not because the economy is great - it is because normal people have realized we are already in a recession.

But back on topic - you have no issue with the move to cashless payments like your ------- brethren? That is the actual topic being discussed so try to fight your autism and stick to that.

#33 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 12:34 AM | Reply

"I am contending that the government's numbers are a made-up"

Yup. Just like I predicted. The gub'mint iz lyin' to us!

"if actually calculated using pricing changes, we are already in a recession."

Jist use my Republican Math!

"Overall, 'direction of the country' is polling as a -56% rate. "

Gee...ANOTHER factor which doesn't count toward the definition of recession!

#34 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 12:40 AM | Reply

"You have no issue with the move to cashless payments like your ------- brethren? "

Why should I answer any questions of yours when you refuse to answer mine? GFY.

"try to fight your autism..."

Golly, there are A LOT of words you don't understand. You just pull a Humpty Dumpty again and again, don't you?

#35 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 12:41 AM | Reply

"For the Biden admin, they added in employment numbers in declaring the last recession was not a recession "

Bullschittt. Both Q1 and Q2 had 2%+ growth. During the time you were claiming we were already in a recession.

#36 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 12:43 AM | Reply

"The gub'mint iz lyin' to us!
#34 | POSTED BY DANFORTH"

If anyone ever thought you were anything but a gullible -------, this post removes all doubt. You honestly believe the government doesn't lie to you? How GD stupid are you? The government literally lies to you all the time. Were you born yesterday? I don't even think your hardest of the hard core lefties on here will agree with you that the government doesn't lie.

#37 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 12:53 AM | Reply

""For the Biden admin, they added in employment numbers in declaring the last recession was not a recession "
Bullschittt.
#36 | POSTED BY DANFORTH"

You are such an idiot. You have the memory of a goldfish -------.

Here, let me educate you once again:

"Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, earlier speaking to reporters next door at the Department of the Treasury, said "most economists and most Americans have a similar definition of recession " substantial job losses and mass layoffs, businesses shutting down, private sector activity slowing considerably, family budgets under immense strain. In sum, a broad-based weakening of our economy. That is not what we're seeing right now."

www.voanews.com

#38 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 12:55 AM | Reply

Here, let me educate you once again:

Once again? That article is 8 months older that your current alias here on the DR.

#39 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-19 01:04 AM | Reply

"Here, let me educate you once again:
Once again? That article is 8 months older that your current alias here on the DR.
#39 | POSTED BY REDIAL"

Obviously, you are beyond the ability to actually be educated.

We are discussing the Biden Admin redefining what is a recession. The article I linked to is on topic for that point.

Why ------- Danforth wants to continue to discuss that rather than cashless payment systems is only a question for him.

So, you have now been educated - now the task is on you to use your new found knowledge in a productive manner.

#40 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 01:08 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

now the task is on you to use your new found knowledge in a productive manner.

I'll run to the bank first thing in the morning and grab $2,000 in cash so I can go about my business for the week.

#41 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-19 01:20 AM | Reply

"#41 | POSTED BY REDIAL"

Better than living off of your credit card like you do now - if only you have $2000 in your bank account.

#42 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 01:23 AM | Reply

if only you have $2000 in your bank account.

I have to maintain a minimum balance of $4000 or I get charged evil bank fees.

#43 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-19 01:25 AM | Reply

"I have to maintain a minimum balance of $4000 or I get charged evil bank fees.
#43 | POSTED BY REDIAL"

So you are forced to keep $4000 in cash in the bank earning 1% interest and you don't think you are being charged bank fees? LOL. You -------- say the dumbest things.

#44 | Posted by Claudio at 2023-09-19 01:35 AM | Reply

So you are forced to keep $4000 in cash in the bank earning 1% interest

It's a chequing account. It doesn't earn any interest.

#45 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-19 01:37 AM | Reply

Stay away from SYNOVUS BANK. Their personal checking account (called a PLUS account) has a $10,000 minimum daily balance, he highest of any national bank in South Florida.

Not only that, but the bank management at SYNOVUS is more than a tad on the sleezy side. Believe NOTHING of what they say.

I did a thorough investigation of 5 other banks and the norm these days is a $1,500 daily minimum for personal checking accounts. There's no such thing anymore as a "free" checking account without at least a maintenance fee and a monthly fee for e-statements.

It used to be that banks were proud of how many depositors they had. Now depositors are just something to be used and abused.

They wised up. They're not there to serve you, they're there to serve themselves.

#46 | Posted by Twinpac at 2023-09-19 03:11 AM | Reply

There's no such thing anymore as a "free" checking account without at least a maintenance fee and a monthly fee for e-statements.

I still have one. My Dad's old RBC Seniors account... no fees on anything. They phased them out a few decades ago but it's locked at the original terms forever.

#47 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-19 03:16 AM | Reply

I not only have no minimum or fees, but I earn interest on my checking account.
On topic, I pay cash for tips (I had a boss once who took out 3% of your CC tips) and for local, independent businesses. I use my CC for everything else because I get 1-5% back. I'm happy to charge Dunkin Donuts or 7-11 to give me my 1% back on a cup of coffee.

#48 | Posted by TFDNihilist at 2023-09-19 03:37 AM | Reply

REDIAL

"I still have one. "

Same here. My original checking account at SYNOVUS (since 2015) is grandfathered in. Same with my original saving account. So it's not in my best interest to move those accounts to another bank. Synovus lost that account.

The big money from my mother's estate is deposited in Trust at another bank.

Actually, I kind of enjoy going to Synovus in person. It gives me an opportunity to wag the finger of shame (and give the all knowing glare) at the bank manager for trying to screw me over.

He's guilty, I know it, he knows it, and after I staged my scene in the lobby, everybody who works at that bank knows it. Which is exactly what I wanted.

A girl's entitled to have a little bit of fun, ya' know.

#49 | Posted by Twinpac at 2023-09-19 04:38 AM | Reply

Took me a day off work to get it straightened out.

The utility is counting on people not having the ability to take a day off from work to fix their scam.

#50 | Posted by Nixon at 2023-09-19 07:47 AM | Reply

So it's not in my best interest to move those accounts to another bank.

Same here. I also have a line of credit with an interest rate fixed at 1% over prime which you don't see anymore. I don't use it, but I keep it anyway just in case. My local bank branch closed so now it's an hour drive just to walk into my new branch. Not going to bother. I usually just go to the bank to get foreign cash before a trip anyway.

#51 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-19 08:19 AM | Reply

Nothing feels better than having cash in your wallet. OK maybe a 1oz gold eagle in your pocket. A friend of mine has long used a rubber band and a wad of green as his "wallet".

Use banks but to hold interest bearing cash. Use a Credit Union for free checking. Yes they may want to hold $5 as a share fee but that is not a minimum and is the only fee. Spend mostly cash or check to help local small business and for the freedom of not helping big banks. Use a 2% paying credit card for purchases at big business or on line. Never put all eggs in one basket.

Nothing sophisticated. Learn to live conservatively without debt unless it's for an appreciating asset. If public schools taught financial literacy from an early age it might help. My concern is they would teach donating spare cash to politicians. Spend less than you earn. Stay out of consumer debt.

#52 | Posted by Robson at 2023-09-19 09:51 AM | Reply

Use old mayonnaise jars to hold cash. Bury them in the backyard. For home defense fill a sock with 1964 Silver Dollars and keep on in every room as a door stop so they're always handy.

#53 | Posted by snoofy at 2023-09-19 10:15 AM | Reply

Use old mayonnaise jars to hold cash. Bury them in the backyard. For home defense fill a sock with 1964 Silver Dollars and keep on in every room as a door stop so they're always handy.

#53 | POSTED BY SNOOFY

Its funny as hell you making fun of people with money when you are struggling with student debt.

#54 | Posted by oneironaut at 2023-09-19 11:10 AM | Reply

"You honestly believe the government doesn't lie to you?"

Of course they do. But you're suggesting EVERYTHING the government tells you is a lie...if you don't want to believe it.

#55 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 11:53 AM | Reply

There's no such thing anymore as a "free" checking account without at least a maintenance fee and a monthly fee for e-statements.

#46 | Posted by Twinpac
_____________________________

I must be grandfathered in. I've had one for around 17 years or so. Free checking with no service charge, free checks when needed, and a few other benefits such as free cashiers checks as far as the bank fee goes. It's a small town bank, were not their service so good, such as calling them and actually speaking to a person right off the bat, I'd long ago gone to a credit union.

#56 | Posted by BBQ at 2023-09-19 12:36 PM | Reply

Who still uses cash?#14 | POSTED BY CLAUDIO AT 2023-09-18 10:45 PM | FLAG:

If you walk into a gun store around here, you'll find the vast majority of purchases of ammo, las well as guns, is being paid for by cash. IMO, with our overreaching govt, they are being smart with that choice.

#57 | Posted by MSgt at 2023-09-19 12:48 PM | Reply

I'm more of a Jack Danforth Republican, which was my first sign-on name. When RCade demanded all posts be authored, I shortened it to Danforth.

#30 | POSTED BY DANFORTH AT 2023-09-19 12:21 AM | FLAG: Interesting, but you still come across as liberal as one can get - go figure...

#58 | Posted by MSgt at 2023-09-19 12:51 PM | Reply

" you still come across as liberal as one can get"

That's because the right-wing kept moving to the right.

I preferred the "we're good with business" party to the current band of "we're good with attacking the marginalized".

I also had a revelation when, once in charge, Republicans turned out to be worse for the economy than Dems ever we're. And Rove bringing out voters by putting a constitutional amendment making a lot of my co-workers in the entertainment industry second-class citizens was the last straw.

The old Republican Party wasn't interested in other people's bedrooms. This current one can't get enough.

My turn: how can you support a guy who is constantly lying?

#59 | Posted by Danforth at 2023-09-19 01:01 PM | Reply

There are those people who actually want the government in your life from cradle to grave.

#12 | Posted by BillJohnson

You support people who want the government in your life BEFORE the cradle.

#60 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2023-09-19 01:08 PM | Reply

#57 | Posted by MSgt

You mean they don't want the government to know about their upcoming armed fascist uprising.

#61 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2023-09-19 01:09 PM | Reply

#59

Completely agree.

I vote for moderate Republicans in the primary. I haven't picked a winner in a long time. And now, they barely exist on the ballot.

So I vote straight Dem in the generals. I don't feel I have a choice.

#62 | Posted by horstngraben at 2023-09-19 01:12 PM | Reply

#57 | Posted by MSgt

Actually mass shooters don't care. They don't plan on ever paying off the debt.

You could save yourself a lot of embarrassment by checking your random maga "truthiness" thoughts first before posting. Most maga nonsense can be disproved in a 5 sec google search.

A 'New York Times' investigation found that credit cards were used to fund the majority of a decade's mass shootings. In some cases, the perpetrators used credit to buy weapons they could not otherwise have afforded.

Many of the gunmen who carried out mass shootings in the United States over the past decade used credit cards to buy their high-powered weapons, a New York Times investigation revealed Monday.

#63 | Posted by donnerboy at 2023-09-19 01:15 PM | Reply

The only checks that we write on a regular basis is for the gardener, once a month, and for the maids, which is every two weeks. We use the E-contribute option at church so only for holy days and special collections do I need to write a check. Of course, my wife still sends checks to the granddaughters at Christmas and for birthdays.

For everything else, if they allow credit cards without a fee, I use that as I get cash back (about $1,200 a year). If they don't allow credit cards or they charge a fee, I go the on-line bank debit route.

OCU

#64 | Posted by OCUser at 2023-09-19 01:35 PM | Reply

I use checks for certain things like buying used equipment or buying precious metals. Coin/precious metal dealers aren't going to accept a debit/credit card without passing on the upcharge to you and when you deal in $10-20K purchases, it adds up quick. Bought a large, used woodchipper recently and paid in check. Cash comes in handy at places like the farmer's market. The older crowd selling their goods are stuck on cash and don't really care if they lose a sale because of it.

I also got rid of banks over 20 years ago and moved my checking and savings accounts to a credit union. They've came a long way and offer much of the same convinces as the big banks.

#65 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2023-09-19 01:55 PM | Reply

Credit unions also tend to offer much higher interest rates on savings accounts. While my wife still has her checking account at a large bank, so that we have access to ATM's wherever we are, all of the the household stuff is done through the credit union (which I've been a member of for over 40 years). Also, when I turned 65, they dropped any sort of minimum deposit or anything in order to have free checking.

OCU

#66 | Posted by OCUser at 2023-09-19 02:18 PM | Reply

But Credit Unions are C-C-C-C-Communist!

#67 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2023-09-19 02:48 PM | Reply

I still use checks for paying bills to companies that charge the BS "convenience fee" when paying over the internet.
Cash, rarely but still use for small transactions and purchases relating to my meth lab.

#68 | Posted by e1g1 at 2023-09-19 02:51 PM | Reply

#63 | POSTED BY DONNERBOY AT 2023-09-19 01:15 PM | FLAG: The hunters and shooters here do so as do not want tracked what they purchase by CC companies or the govt.

#69 | Posted by MSgt at 2023-09-19 03:14 PM | Reply

#62 | POSTED BY HORSTNGRABEN AT 2023-09-19 01:12 PM | FLAG: Well I guess you are then happy with the direction the country is currently going.

#70 | Posted by MSgt at 2023-09-19 03:15 PM | Reply

You mean they don't want the government to know about their upcoming armed fascist uprising.

#61 | POSTED BY SPEAKSOFTLY AT 2023-09-19 01:09 PM | FLAG: Actually Louisiana is very big into hunting and target shooting and never met any any individuals of your beliefs.

Why is Louisiana called the Sportsman's Paradise?
The nickname has its roots in Louisiana's rich history in fishing, hiking, hunting and it's beautiful bayous where much of these sports take place.Nov 30, 2011

Louisiana- Sportsman's Paradise

#71 | Posted by MSgt at 2023-09-19 03:20 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"how can you support a guy who is constantly lying?"

I'm sure there are both cash and cashless options.

#72 | Posted by sentinel at 2023-09-19 03:25 PM | Reply

Why is Louisiana called the Sportsman's Paradise?

#71 | POSTED BY MSGT AT 2023-09-19 03:20 PM

Because when duck season opens you can grab your shotgun, decoys and fishing rods, head to Venice and duck hunt all morning. Then you can limit out on redfish and bass in the same brackish ponds you were duck hunting in that afternoon.

#73 | Posted by lfthndthrds at 2023-09-19 04:32 PM | Reply

The hunters and shooters here do so as do not want tracked what they purchase by CC companies or the govt.

#69 | Posted by MSgt

Translation - hunters and shooters are morons who swallow right wing paranoid conspiracy theories

#74 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2023-09-19 04:34 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Louisiana- Sportsman's Paradise

#71 | Posted by MSgt

Paradise = toxic fossil fuel waste in our seafood

#75 | Posted by SpeakSoftly at 2023-09-19 04:35 PM | Reply

Sportsman's Paradise

How many hundreds of places call themselves that? I know Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario all do. Montana? Wyoming? Idaho?

#76 | Posted by REDIAL at 2023-09-19 04:43 PM | Reply

Yo, right here, me!

Using paper checks is free. As an independent contractor, I MUCH prefer to be paid with a paper check. Taking a credit card costs me money.

And it's free for me to write them too. My bank doesn't charge me AT ALL for the basic paper checks, and why would I want fancy ones?

And cash isn't dying. Lots of people use it every day, again because credit/debit cards cost money. Sure, Walmart hates cash, they pay armored trucks to haul it around. But for most businesses, cash is free. The owner drops the deposit, it costs effectively nothing.

#77 | Posted by DarkVader at 2023-09-19 07:04 PM | Reply

I have a free checking account; no fees or anything else. And I still get a monthly paper statement. I think I have it because I still have the same checking account I had as a junior in college in 1979. Grandfathered in.

#78 | Posted by keystone at 2023-09-19 11:14 PM | Reply

I have a free checking account at Newtown Savings Bank. (yes, that Newtown).

It is an awesome local bank. The service is great, I cannot understate that.

And no fees because I have a monthly check directly deposition into my account.

However, for savings, I went to FDIC-insured Bread Financial, which is currently giving me 5% on a savings account. ( savings.breadfinancial.com )

YMMV and all that.

#79 | Posted by LampLighter at 2023-09-19 11:22 PM | Reply

I use cash all the time and paper checks for items I need proof of payment for like my property taxes.

Venmo is good, but venmo'ing someone $50 for their birthday is not the same feel as putting a check in an envelope and mailing it to them.

One bit of advice for anyone mailing a check, write it in fine point gel ink pen so the ink cannot get washed off.

#80 | Posted by Nixon at 2023-09-20 07:30 AM | Reply

I still use checks all the time,
but admittedly, with their cost
going up all the time, have considered
dropping them altogether.

I just preferred the control it
gave me to decide when I make my
bill payments.

Only two bills are auto-withdrawn,
the house and the truck payment.
And now the truck is paid off.

Oh, and Comcast Xfinity...because of
all of the damned junk email and crap
they would send me all the time.

#81 | Posted by earthmuse at 2023-09-20 11:33 AM | Reply

I do not use the following four letter h-word lightly: I hate Comcast. Wish my area had better options.

#82 | Posted by GOnoles92 at 2023-09-20 12:08 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I don't mind that we're hardly ever using checks or cash anymore. I do still use cash for most purchases of used items, and checks to pay most contractors and insurance premiums.

What I most object to about a society using nothing but cards, is that some middle entities are now collecting a percentage of every transaction in the World, for doing practically nothing.

#83 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2023-09-20 01:04 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

What is it about cash that liberals/progressives hate?

Let the lights go out and you are going to see cash is still king.

#84 | Posted by boaz at 2023-09-20 02:57 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

#84 | Posted by boaz

You stupid goddam SOB...liberals/progressives have no fuggin problem with cash.

Goddam stupid feces eater.

#85 | Posted by Angrydad at 2023-09-20 05:17 PM | Reply

What is it about cash that liberals/progressives hate?
#84 | POSTED BY BOAZ AT 2023-09-20 02:57 PM | REPLY | FLAG

Why do you think liberals/progressives hate cash? CCs are absolutely more convenient but most everyone - liberal and conservative - carry a few bucks in their pockets at any given time. Liberals and progressives do not hate cash.

Now the fear that gets pushed that leads to the paranoia that drives some folks to buy (crappy) gold, buy their guns with wadded up twenties, and keep their money under the mattress? Yeah I could see liberals and progressives hating that.

#86 | Posted by bartimus at 2023-09-20 05:53 PM | Reply

Country bumpkin Bojangles pays his hookers with cash.

#87 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2023-09-20 11:36 PM | Reply

The US PS still uses checks. My passport is expired. I have to renew it and I've got to give them to checks made out to the department of state one for the renewal, the other one is a $35 processing fee. I forget who that is made out ti. They do not take credit cards so your choices are personal check cashiers check or money order, how archaic is that?

#88 | Posted by gracieamazed at 2023-09-21 05:56 AM | Reply

who still uses checks ?

seniors who live in partially assisted living and who may not have family members to take care of things.

there are more people in that situation than one might think.

but then as we saw with covid in new york...leftist trash and their dogma KLAN don't give a ---- about seniors.

#89 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2023-09-21 09:07 AM | Reply

One bit of advice for anyone mailing a check, write it in fine point gel ink pen so the ink cannot get washed off.

#80 | POSTED BY NIXON AT 2023-09-20 07:30 AM | FLAG:
(CHOOSE)
I hope you bought a pen from RCADE.

#90 | Posted by mattm at 2023-09-21 09:12 AM | Reply

------------- forgets that his fellow repug --------- Dan Patrick said old folks should die for the economy.

www.vanityfair.com

#91 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2023-09-21 09:16 AM | Reply