Then your bank is in a shrinking minority…enjoy it while it lasts. Also, you and I do not shop at the same places, but I generate about 80 personal checks and about 200 business checks per month. Just yesterday, I wrote a check for a roof fan belt for my building because they did not accept any cards, just checks and cash, and this was a major HVAC representative based in Los Angeles! I bet the businesses I deal with are much more diverse than the businesses you deal with. And of course, I carry cash for personal incidentals that I do not need to track, which is even quicker than any card.
My business address and phone number is on the check, and my social security number is never furnished for any checks I write…but they may ask for my ID to verify who I am…even my ID has my PO Box instead of my home address. So tell me how I should “feel”?
Again, why would you want to have my money taken out of my account sooner when it is drawing interest? Maybe it’s because you aren’t drawing any interest at all?
We’re fighting ignorance here, not promoting it. My credit card (only ONE card) is my backup and is always paid off every billing cycle IF I even use it. It’s called FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. It’s a mindset that does not get taught early enough until it’s too late.
I dunno, hon - you and the other check-writers sound awfully angry and defensive in this thread. I think I pretty much called it. Do you really want quotes, or could you maybe just scroll up the page a bit? I was trying to avoid any “I told you so’s”, but since you brought it up…
And what’s “laughable” is you telling me to let it go.
What really amazes me, alterego, is that you somehow managed to find the time to write your little rant, considering that rude check-writers have so inconsiderately wasted your time. I’d certainly think you’d have better things to do, what with the minute or so you’ve had stolen from you.
Not as laughable as you thinking being called an ass proves your point.
Yes, I will agree that using that debit card is faster and more convenient. (althought it does make it a little more jumbled from a bookkeeping perspective, unless you are making a notation in your checkbook at the time of the purchase, and if you are doing THAT, you’re not really saving that much time after all since you will be going through much of the same hassles as has been complained about previously) I use my debit card more often that I write checks. (You STILL have to have checks, though, because believe it or not there are still places that have no debit card taking capability. There are also places that don’e accept either, if you can believe it)
So, yeah, using the debit card is clearly preferable from all standpoints. But I think this much ado about nothing. Because when you are standing in a line, seconds sem like minutes. But they are not really minutes, and thought it SEEMS like a long time, it’s not, even if we take the sum of multiple persons writing multiple checks in the earlier described time-wasting ways.
We’re fighting ignorance here, not promoting it. My credit card (only ONE card) is my backup and is always paid off every billing cycle IF I even use it. It’s called FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. It’s a mindset that does not get taught early enough until it’s too late.
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I’m NOT promoting ignorance. In my initial position I said that folks using checks may be using them
Because they MAY have poor credit (may being the operative word) I wasn’t generalizing about all that write checks.
Really don’t need credit cards, as my example of the grocery store.
Fear of identity theft
I’m doing quite the opposite of what the person who started this angry thread did. He’s mad at people because they’re not “using a flipping credit card”. I have more tolarance than that. At least I am reasonably looking at why this is the case. I’m not just mindlessly nodding in agreement at the statement.
Many of the posts in this here BBQ pit are just peoples rants and lack of tolerance to people of other cultures. Count how many times the F word was used on the initial post by the author who started this thread. The F word directed to folks writing checks. At least I have some rapport, and I am critically looking at the situation and trying to get some sort of understanding.
If you can’t stand in line and wait in line at checkout cause someone is using a check. You need help. Yet the person can find the time to write paragraph upon paragraph bitching at persons that use checks.
If you think I am promoting ignorance, I’d like to hear what you ahve to say to the person who posted this thread directed to check writers.
So sorry, I didn’t realize giving reasons for writing checks to people who ask why people write them equals being “defensive.”
It appears as if, short of not saying anything at all, anyone saying anything positive about check writing in your mind equals being “angry and defensive.”
Just because you want something to appear a certain way doesn’t make it so.
I did scroll up, looking for anything approaching anger or defensiveness from check writers. Haven’t seen anything. Actually, I’ve seen the opposite. There are many angry and confrontational posts by non-check writers, the responses given by check-writers mainly just giving reasons and pointing out when certain statements made by non-check writers are false. All the inflammatory statements have been from non-check writers.
So…yeah. I’d like some quotes please, in context. Mainly because I’m willing to bet the prompting posts are a great deal more angry and confrontational than the responding posts.
Honestly, how is someone supposed to defend an action they engage in that’s being attacked without being defensive in your mind? I’m honestly curious. You seem very hard to please blowero. What are check-writers supposed to say when someone comes at them telling them “welcome to the 21st century!” or something along those lines? How are they supposed to respond? What can they possibly say that will not cause you to cry “I told you so! You’re just angry and defensive! Nah nah nah nah nah nah, told you!”
And how in the world does telling someone to let something go make someone unable to let it go themselves? The “I know you are but what am I” response isn’t very effective. You’re the one who brought up your old thread, hon, not me.
I’m sorry that I’m part of this hijack, but to lump all check writers as old and obsolete prompted me to defend my practice. I do concur with the main part of the OP: Promptly write a check (as well as furnish your credit/debit card) when the total is rung up. I wholly endorse this POV and do so myself.
We seemed to post a few minutes apart so some of my answers to NYC will also answer some of your questions. Most checks are also validated at the register and most don’t require any additional information, except maybe for picture ID (the same happens with credit/debit cards I’ve noticed).
I am beginning to realize that I have a special case with owning a small business myself. There are different needs, vendors that I work with, accounting, etc… I do move larger sums of money around and the size of my accounts probably grant me some privileges because the bank can count on my high daily average in my accounts. I never had any fraud with my business accounts, checking, SSN#, address, etc… The one personal check fraud happened over 10 years ago, but the personal credit card fraud happened last year and 5 years before that. (I love my wife, but she tends to forget things which in turn, has been the basis of all 3 frauds…if she had a debit card, I’m pretty sure it would have been no different).
So, no matter what, you have to pay a monthly fee whether you predominately use the checking or the debit card unless you maintain a minimum balance to waive those fees. Is that what you mean? I haven’t had any fees to pay in years to notice what the current fees are. I do know that ATM useage usually generates a fee, correct?
I’ll give you an example: I have 7 electric utility accounts covering 3 locations. I write ONE check (total = $932.30) to cover all 7 accounts but on the memo line I divide the amounts by the 3 locations…my code would be:
L1(134.28)+L2(458.99)+L3(339.03)=Utility=Electric
Even if our electric company took debit cards, I would have to run the card 7 times to pay each bill separately instead of all at once. That would generate 7 receipts instead of one duplicate carbon and that one line of code saves time for my accountant who charges by the hour. The checkbook I have is the larger “3 checks per page” book which is extremely neat and easier to read than a pile of loose receipts which I have to label each separately for accounting. That is why checking for me works better.
Or better yet, cash. Nobody has ever turned me away with cash. And if they don’t take debit cards, they’ll probably point you to the nearest ATM, which could cost a fee and add extra time to make your purchase (remember, the OP was about wasting time!).
I answered this above.
I do avoid fraud by being alert and not offering the info about my pesonal address, SSN#, etc. I also strip the deposit slips out of each personal book of checks, and deal with reputable businesses that know how to deal with fraud. It’s my own vigilance that reduces fraud, not the method of payment that reduces fraud.
But you still have to pay a fee for the account, correct?
Yeah, I think I am getting a pretty good deal. A few years ago, I went to our local bank and obtained a 6-digit loan to construct a business building. I promised to tie in my business accounts, personal accounts as long as I have no service fees, my interest rate on my loan is at 6.5%, and that my interest on my accounts is earned as a collective amount to the savings rate. They looked at my credit rating, and said “OK”. The main point was (and should be in any bank account) to get money coming into your account as interest (no matter what the rate is) and not to have money going out of your account (no matter what the fees and charges are). By combining everything, I probably saved thousands, if not tens of thousands on the building’s interest rate, and earned thousands in account interest without being charged a penny for anything. Spending time with the bank manager and talk business certainly helped me obtain what I wanted.
Hence, cash. We do shop for groceries on a weekly basis, and it’s usually $100-$150 per week, so sometimes we write a check, sometimes we pay cash.
Some debit cards have daily limits on amounts drawn from ATMs.
Debit cards just don’t fulfill all the needs that a business requires, regardless of which method has less fraud. Again, my vigilance, determines how much risk to fraud that I am exposed to.
I don’t have an issue with my current bank…they’re great and the tellers know me by name and they are drop-dead gorgeous to boot. I’m doing my part to keep them employed instead of laid-off. I used to be with Bank of America until 1998, so now you know where my issues came from.
Oh, I never said there WASN’T a reason for using checks (and in fact I do for weekly bills at home) just that dismissing the option of ‘obsolete person’ wasn’t valid. CLEARLY that’s one of the possible reasons for it.
I started using debit cards in 1991-2 with Crestar bank and have used them since with Nation’s Bank, BB&T and now Bank One. Combine that with online banking and I can clearly demonstrate a 1-5 day cover period. Shortest would be when your merchant has their merchant agreement with the same bank…zip zam! But when it’s not the process is still…
Exchange card for goods.
Merchant sends data to bank.
Bank sends to card-issuing bank.
Card issuing bank debits account.
There can be a couple of days in there depending on time-of-day and efficiency of the banks involved.
Checks take still longer…no doubt. But to say that debit card (mine is a Visa check card but it wasn’t always) hits your account immediately is demonstrably false.
I had a special one today: she was buy two items, total cost was about $6. First, while waiting in line, she felt the need to tell me that she’d gotten one of my items for 50 cents cheaper the yesterday at Giant. (I’m not sure whether she was bragging or trying to help me.) Then it took her a minute after her items were rung up to get out her checkbook. Then she could get her pen to work. Then she couldn’t get the cashier’s pen to work. Then, informed that she needed to show ID to use a check, she tossed her wallet at the cashier and said “I know it’s in there somewhere.” Then she started bleeding, because I had given her a savage beating for being such a horrible human being. (Well, maybe that last part didn’t happen. But the rest did.) It took her well over 5 minutes to complete the purchase of 2 items.
Do any of you who get upset at check writers get mad at people who are buying adult beverages and have to hunt for an id instead of having it out and ready to show the cashier?
Checks are on their way out. Most people I know don’t use them on a regular basis anymore. Their becoming an anachronism. In a few years, they’ll probably be extinct for everyday use, as more and more people pay their bills online. (To me, online bill pay is the best thing since sliced bread…)
This is the natural course of things as technology gets better. Just as 20 and 30 years ago, people listened to 8-tracks and record albums, almost no one does now. People used to watch videos on betamax, then VCRs and now most people I know use DVD players. Let’s see, what else? Rotary phones > dial phones > cordless phones > cell phones.
I’ll never forget when I got my first checkbook. Let’s see, that was about 12 years ago. I don’t remember anyone having ATM cards back then. If I wanted cash, I would have to go to my bank during business hours, or cash a check at the grocery store. I got my statement once a month, in the mail, with all my cancelled checks inside. (Gee I can’t imagine the work that goes into that!) If I wanted to check my account balance, I had to call the bank. It was a total pain. I hated how long it took at the grocery store to write it out, show your ID, have the cashier write all your info on your check, wait for approval, etc., etc. Now what was at least a 1-2 minute process takes 15 seconds. And now, I just get online and I can see the transaction I made 5 minutes ago. It’s just so much easier!
In my opinion, the people who still use checks are older people who are set in their ways, like my mom. She doesn’t even have an ATM card. She writes checks everywhere she goes. I keep telling her the wonders on technology but she is just set in her ways. My dad, at least, has an ATM card, but still pays all his bills with a check, puts a stamp on an envelope, and mails it. Talkes him at least a half an hour or 45 minutes. I pay all my bills in a mere 5 minutes online.
All you hold-outs will eventually see the light. Or else you’ll be laughed at like the people who still don’t know how to use a computer or e-mail or whatever.
Yeah, I see the light…the light being you sidestepping my valid responses and going to the “old fogey” card. In your case, that will never be obsolete.
I realize that debit cards will dominate someday; but today, yesterday and any other day in the past, they’re not. There is still quite a way to go make debit cards universal, and mandatory online bill paying is a pipe dream, unless you want to spring for the computers and the access…the poor folks would probably build a shrine in your honor. As for businesses, you’ll need more than a pipe dream…probably a bong dream. I’m glad your little corner of the world is cozy for you, enjoy it while it lasts because I think you haven’t gotten out much.
All the people I know that are in my age range and younger (I am 28) do not use checks. And I know a lot of people. Also when I go to the store and observe the method of payment of the people in line, most transactions made by younger people are with electronic means. Most of the people writing checks have gray hair. Just an observation.
Don’t be so defensive about it. It’s not a criticism of you. It’s just that as technology changes, the way we do things changes. Usually the younger people change first.
Did you have any objection to my analogies?:
As for “sidestepping your valid responses,” well your examples did not apply to me. They were obscure. My list of reasons why using a check card is better is solid, in my opinion. Convenience, ease of use, takes less time…just plain easier. Just as many modern conveniences make things easier and quicker.
The problem is, that when people start making the transition to the newer technology, the people using the old way get left behind and sometimes make it inconvenient for others…such as people having to wait in line longer for check writers.
Believe it or not, I actually *take pride * in how fast I get out of the supermarket line. I know the cashiers love me for it, and the people behind me in line always give me a smile.
I’m 40 and do not have gray hair (yet) and I see a mix of people using cards and checks, regardless of age…
I agree with you on that one. My oldest son (16yrs.) is starting to talk tech with me and wants me to purchase certain gadgets that he will end up using eventually. Some I purchase, others I skip.
Well, the analogy of video is strikingly similar to debit cards except…Beta format was nearly D.O.A. on arrival because VHS format came out near the same time but was much more anticipated by the public. It really wasn’t a step in the right direction technology wise and most people avoided buying Beta (and Beta was actually superior to VHS). The next step, VHS was a successful product, but very few jumped at the first attempt at digital media back in 1981 when laser discs (they were the size of vinyl albums) media was introduced. I was in college then and my roommate bought a player for our dormroom but only a limited amount of movies were available then and the media flopped (I laughed at him for being “too tech” back then!). Only the next decade did DVDs (a smaller version of laser discs) came out and became successful, but there are still many movies that are on VHS but not on DVD. You come and tell me I should throw away the VHS player and use the DVD exclusively when I know that there is a better selection of movies on VHS. I’ll tell you that I will not abandon the VHS just yet until all movies are available on DVD. The same holds true for records > 8 tracks > cassette > CDs, and mostly holds true for phones (you forgot push button phones are still predominate in the world even though wireless and cell phones are popular). You don’t just toss one tech for a new tech without weighing the pros and cons. For all you know, it might become obsolete before it’s predecessor does. That’s why youth jump on the tech sooner than the older folks, because chances are that the older folks got burned once or twice before when they were the youth at the time. It’ll come with age.
I figured as much. Your reasons apply to you only, just as much as my reasons apply to me for not using it. Don’t confuse me for not using debit cards (for accounting issues and other reasons) as refusing to change or being behind the times. The main issue is that I realized that I will not gain any advantages at this current time by switching to debit cards, but instead, I will actually lose the capability of making a wide array of purchases.
Nah…there are just as many clueless card users as there are checkwriters, or kids buying candy with a jar full of pennies. All ages, all means of payment. No exceptions.
I write checks at certain places - the grocery store and the drug store being the main two places. I’m 29. Why do I write checks? Because I use my visits to these two places to get my cash for the week, and if I use my debit card to do so, my stupid bank socks me with a $2 fee. If I do that twice a week for a month, that’s $16 in fees I don’t have to pay simply because I’m writing a check - I can get cash by writing my check over without paying a fee. I will continue to write checks until my bank stops charging me for using the card THEY provided me with. And since several local grocery stores will refuse to let us use our check cards as credit cards, I either have the choice of writing a check or being charged a fee. I’d rather write a check. Plus, I’m better about balancing my checkbook if I write a check - I tend to forget debit card receipts, but I have duplicate checks, so I always know how much I’ve spent.
But I’m also fairly quick about it. I write out my check while my groceries are being rung up, and fill out the amount while they’re being bagged. I take no more time than the typical debit card user - in fact, I think I take less sometimes because I’m not digging around for my wallet when it’s time to pay (as many people at our supermarket seem to do…). I get my checkbook and check-cashing card out before I get to the cashier (or as soon as she starts ringing my groceries, if there’s no line).
