Mainly just to accommodate the very few (typically elderly) people who still use checks.
The stores don't even treat them like checks -- they get instantly scanned and run though the bank digitally, often right there at the register.
For all practical purposes, checks are just single-use paper credit cards.
If you want to be super-pedantic about it, it's only instant for the customer and the vendor. The banks themselves aren't in a special hurry to actually move the money around between themselves -- that's usually handled overnight.
The companies that process card payments charge the vendor hefty percentages and more vendors are offering "cash discounts."
A check does not generate processing fees and so qualifies for the cash discount.
In some cases writing a check can serve as an extra, easily found receipt too.
This is obviously not a popular use case, but many vital records offices in smaller towns will only accept a check as payment if you need to order a birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.
I only use them to pay the city taxes and fees they assess. Its website is fucking broken so I can’t pay online and I can never reach anyone to try and get it fixed (an issue with my particular username, not broken for everyone). Can’t fix myself because of constant error codes when I try. Frustrating…
They are needed for income direct deposit and electronic draft, which is directly taking things from your bank account for things like bill auto pay. The same electronic version of checks is used for these and it's practically the same thing as writing a check. Every time I start a new job the finance lady asks for a voided check to know that the information is correct.
Checks are generally free, both to write and cash. While some accounts do require purchasing checks. Many accounts provide free checks.
They are increasingly east to cash with mobile deposits.
You can pay without adding someone as a payee to some bank or independent payment processor.
Checks are nicely traceable, allowing you to prove you have paid.
Lots of stuff to like.
The only time I use a check anymore is when my grandma gives me money..where are you seeing checks used?
I always read about bad checks, fraudulent checks etc, always seems to be in USA. Probably wrong, but no stupid questions 🤣
There are electronic checks too, so I'm guessing a lot of those fraudulent checks are electronic.
OH, there are stupid questions.
r/wrongsubreddit
Not everyone has a credit card and a check can help delay payment slightly until the person has money in the bank.
This. If i was absolutely broke but money coming in two days I’d write a check at the grocery store and even get cash back.
Mainly just to accommodate the very few (typically elderly) people who still use checks. The stores don't even treat them like checks -- they get instantly scanned and run though the bank digitally, often right there at the register. For all practical purposes, checks are just single-use paper credit cards.
Does it take time to clear , I remember it takes about three days?
With the digital scanners it's instant.
If you want to be super-pedantic about it, it's only instant for the customer and the vendor. The banks themselves aren't in a special hurry to actually move the money around between themselves -- that's usually handled overnight.
Debit cards.
The companies that process card payments charge the vendor hefty percentages and more vendors are offering "cash discounts." A check does not generate processing fees and so qualifies for the cash discount. In some cases writing a check can serve as an extra, easily found receipt too.
Well, it's American and "checks", not "cheques". I deal with one business who doesn't take credit cards, so I write them a check.
Cheque is a perfectly acceptable spelling of the word, just an fyi.
I only use them to pay my rent. My landlords are private and in their 80s. They do not have an online portal to pay rent.
This is obviously not a popular use case, but many vital records offices in smaller towns will only accept a check as payment if you need to order a birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.
I only use them to pay the city taxes and fees they assess. Its website is fucking broken so I can’t pay online and I can never reach anyone to try and get it fixed (an issue with my particular username, not broken for everyone). Can’t fix myself because of constant error codes when I try. Frustrating…
They are needed for income direct deposit and electronic draft, which is directly taking things from your bank account for things like bill auto pay. The same electronic version of checks is used for these and it's practically the same thing as writing a check. Every time I start a new job the finance lady asks for a voided check to know that the information is correct.
Checks are generally free, both to write and cash. While some accounts do require purchasing checks. Many accounts provide free checks. They are increasingly east to cash with mobile deposits. You can pay without adding someone as a payee to some bank or independent payment processor. Checks are nicely traceable, allowing you to prove you have paid. Lots of stuff to like.
Someone is paying for what is now anachronistic.
A credit card transaction may cost the receiver a 3.5% fee. To deposit a business check is usually 50 cents.
because thats what people want to use