I know, I know, it’s just a series of commercials, not to be taken literally or even seriously. Still…
The commercials for Visa check cards are always clever. The one where Charlie Sheen ages into Martin, waiting to get a check approved, is hilarious. I loved the one where Kevin Bacon plays six degrees of separation, too. As a Giants fan, I even like the one with Tiki Barber and his brother Ronde.
But even though I get a kick out of those commercials, I have to wonder… does ANYBODY really have that much trouble writing a check?
Here in Texas, I write checks for almost everything at almost every retail store or service- the dry cleaner, the supermarket, the shoe repair store, the florist, the drug store, Wal-Marts/Targets, the pet store… practically everywhere. Most of the time, I’m not asked for ID at all (and these are NOT little shops where everybody knows me!). And when I AM asked for ID, they’re always happy with a cursory glance at my driver’s license.
So, I have to wonder… is Texas unique in this regard? Is writing a check REALLY such an ordeal everyplace else? If not (and I’m pretty sure it’s not), where’s the perceived need or demand for the Visa check card?
Some stores around here (I’m talking some major chain stores, not Mom-n-Pop stores) write your life history on your checks for verification. For me, it’s just easier to do the check card - then all I have to do is write my name.
I just like the convenience of it. I don’t have to fill out the check and I don’t have to wait for the check to clear my account so it’s easier for me to keep track of my checking account. I know it doesn’t take that long to fill out a check but it’s still a hassle sometimes when you are in a hurry. I would have to say that 8 times out of 10 I get asked for ID when I use my check card though and I always make sure to tell the cashier thank you for asking for it because a lot of times it’s not asked for and anyone can use it.
What I want to know is why showing ID is such a problem, according to the commercials. Is it really that much of a hassle? And won’t you keep your check card in your wallet along with, you know, your ID? So it’s not like you’d be in a situation where you’d have the card but not the ID, right?
If you’re at the supermarket and struggling to hold a combative, wriggling little 3-yr-old in your arms, you appreciate ANYTHING that makes the checkout a little quicker! (IMHO)
Occasionally, you do run into places that don’t accept out-of-state checks/personal checks at all, but do accept credit cards. Strangely, this has happened to me just visiting Wisconsin, so it has been useful recently.
I used my debit card with Visa logo when I visited Italy - not only could I pop it into the ATM for lira at a great exchange rate (and the transaction fee was only a regular out-of-network fee, lower than going to an exchange would have cost me in fees and poor exchange rates), but it was accepted like a credit card at shops.
I love check cards. I do not miss writing checks in the least. They are fast and convienient. It seems the only thing we use checks for now are the bills each month. Try them you might like them too.
My thoughts are (to person writing check in line) WHO the hell still uses checks? How archaic. I havent written a check in 5 years( for retail ). If you use the check card as a debit card you only need to type in your 4 digit code and you are the heck out of there. Its way to fast and I love it
Pablito – I`ll take your three year old and raise you a two year old and a nweborn. I win. (three in diapers).
What bugs me about the commercials is that I think they run the card through the machine with the magnetic strip upside down, just so we can read “VISA CHECK CARD” right side up at the top. Are the check cards set up just the same as credit or debit cards, with the strip at the top?
Me, for one. I have a debit card and I don’t like it. I’m one of those control freaks who wants to know what’s in his checking account at a glance, so I have the checks witht he duplicates on them. I like that as a record of purchases far more than a wad of receipts.
I try to be a courteous check-writer and have my check written out and my ID handy when I’m told the final total. If I sometimes delay you by ten seconds or so, I humbly apologize.
What the hell is a check card? I like my credit card. My wife has been addicted to her debit card for ten years. I’ll write cheques to pay my bills by mail.
I love my debit card. I almost NEVER write checks. Also, what if you don’t have ID? I didn’t have my driver’s license until a few months ago (I’m 19) and any place I would have wanted to write a check, they would have needed ID, and I didn’t have any. I had this problem at Sam’s Club once - they don’t take credit cards other than their own (which is a big stupid pain in the ass), so I wrote a check, and they asked for ID, and I didn’t have any… luckily my account was joint with my mom, who was with me, and she had id and it was alright.
Also, I dont’ usually carry a purse, I just stuff my wallet in my back pocket, so I wouldn’t really carry a checkbook around with me - but the card’s always there.
Plus it’s faster. I hate writing checks.
As far as I can tell, it’s a debit card with a credit card logo on it. You can use it just like a credit card, except that it takes the money directly from your checking account, so you have to have the balance to cover your purchase.
The only difference in use that I’ve seen between a “check card” and a credit card is when renting a car; with the former, the rental company will charge an additional couple hundred as a deposit, and refund it to you when you return the car.
Does your state provide an ID option? It should look much like a driver’s license, but merely certifies that the person pictured is who they claim to be. I knew friends in college who didn’t have driver’s licenses but got state IDs.
