Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I wrote a check for anything. All of my spending is using debit cards with the occasional cash purchase and once-in-a-while credit card charge.
All of those checks that I ordered way back when are just sitting around, yet to be used.
Probably the only time I’d be tempted to write a check is if I’m giving someone I know money; say I owe a friend for something and don’t have the cash on hand or I’m going in on a gift with some relatives.
But that’s it. And I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
So, I want to know: do you still write checks?
Answer the poll and then let me know why in a comment.
[poll id=”11″]
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Gave it up 6 months ago, debit is the way!
It happens infrequently for personal cheques (I’m Canadian, eh), like maybe once a year.
I deliberately didn’t order cheques for my business when I started it. I pay all my work expenses and purchases on a rewards credit card, a trick I learned from my former boss.
I rarely write checks but when I do it is for specific, recurring vendors like my kid’s daycare provider.
Of course, right after I post this poll … my handyman finishes his work and tells me he only takes a check.
So I wrote him a check.
I spend very differently than you. I write checks when paying friends, landlords, State taxes, grad school tuition and anyone else who doesn’t take credit. This happens all the time. I write checks at the rate of at least 4 per month.
My preference goes to AMEX credit – most cash back @ 2 – 5%. Next preference goes to Visa with 1 – 2% cash back.
I NEVER use cash. EVER. I think the last time I used cash was when somene gave me shliach mitzvah money.
I do carry a debit card around with me (one of the 5 cards I carry in my pocket) though just in case I need cash.
I write at least 1-2 checks a month – some are for bills that can only be paid by check, doctor’s office bills, etc.
Some are to friends for things we own together, or for something they’ve given to me for which I own them money (for example, one friend bought some vitamins for me a few weeks ago when he had found it at a specialty store).
@Jason – That’s true – I completely forgot about rent! I pay that with a check too.