Somebody please explain to me

[WebmasterAlex]

WHY people still use checks! It never fails.. I am in line at the grocery store and the person in front of me pulls out the checkbook.. of course they have to pull out 7 forms of ID and do the check approval thing. AND THEN they HAVE to stand there and balance their stupid checkbook! There is this new invention out called the Debit card! It comes out of the exact same account.....

[Mermaid02]

Because I prefer to use checks- until they stop accepting them... I'm gonna keep writing them.

And this will really drive you crazy..... I have a debit card too.... and I keep it inside my checkbook....:p

[Poohbear123]

Alex I try and tell people this, but, for some reason, they HAVE to write out a check!:rolleyes: THAN I have to SHOW them HOW to slide the card, push the right buttons,......etc. etc. etc.:rolleyes: :confused:

[Beauty]

Sorry Alex but I'm still a check person. I tried the debit card but I would forget, not write it down and be off on my balance and go crazy before the statement came in. With my checks I can call the 800 number put the check number in and mark off what has and hasn't cleared as I go. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I like my checks....guess thats the one place I don't want to move forward with.

[Princess Michelle]

Because some people (like my mom) are afraid of technology. Also because some people can't control their spending when they have a debit card, saw that way to much when I worked for a bank.

[debster812]

LOL Alex,

I am one of those dinosaurs who still use checks, but mostly ONLY at Stop and Shop, and I would NEVER dream of balancing it there (that's DH's job ;) ). But I only use it at the grocery where we already have a card, I let them print it out, so it is just as quick as trying to explain to a debit-card newbie how to use the PIN pad. It all evens out in the end.

Just so I never get on your bad side, where should I NOT go shopping, checkbook in hand??? ;) ;) ;)

Debbie

[Lars624]

I stil do the check thing b/c I'm a bit concerned I'd lose the receipts if I used a debit card & then not record them. With my checks I have duplicates. I do have the check filled in except for the amount when I get to the register so I hope I'm not holding anyone up. The stores around here very rarely need id anymore, most of it is all in their computer.

[WillyJ]

I hear you Alex!! Either that or it's someone who waits for the total to be rang up, and then spends 20 minutes digging around through lint, tissues, pants pockets, and those little coin purses because they just have to pay with the exact change. . :rolleyes:

I say we put them all in a sack and throw them off a cliff!!!

;)

:teeth: :teeth:

[CamColt]

Im a real dinosaur...I use cash! :rolleyes: ;) Thats usually at a supermarket or drug store. When I go shopping for clothes, shoes, stuff like that, I always use a credit card(pay it all off at the end of the month though). I dont think Ive ever used my debit card, but I also havent used a check in a store in a long time.

[JohnTBap]

Paper trail. :)

[NancyIL]

I agree with you Alex. And when the person waits until everything is totaled and then pulls out the checkbook and begins writing - that really drives me nuts! I'm glad most grocery stores take credit cards, because that's how I pay for just about everything.

[Tina]

I'm with you Alex! I get so frustrated when I'm in a rush and the person in front of me pulls out the old checkbook. Sometimes they take so long to write it out, I wonder if they're trying to win a penmanship contest. I want to scream "Join the new millenium!" :mad: Honestly, if you're careful about where you put your card when you're done using it, there's no reason you can't put your receipts in the same place - back in your wallet. That's what I do. My DH puts all of his receipts in a dish in the kitchen. I sit down once a week and record them all, enter the checkbook in Quicken, then download my transactions to catch any we've missed. If you don't use Quicken or Money, you can always log on to your bank's website to record any receipts you've missed.

:) Easy as pie!

[Eeyore2U]

I think part of it is the "float" you get by writing the check. If you use a debit a card the debit is asap. If you write a check it takes a couple of days to clear.

[Ranatra]

I still like paying by check, I can keep track of things better.
I always have the check all filled out and signed, while I'm waiting for the cashier to finish scanning my groceries, then I just fill in the total and I'm done.

[mom2boys]

paper trail is right.
However, I do have everything but the amount written while my order is being rung. I once had a clerk tell me she'd never seen anyone write a check so quickly. It only takes a second to write the amount.

Pet Peeve - the 17 yr old grocery clerk who refuses to TELL me my total. I always make the clerk tell me total. I still check the screen but I think a clerk should tell the customer the total amount of the bill. (Thanks - I feel better now.)

[DocRafiki]

Or credit cards... hello! If you're worried about the extra float day, you can get up to a month on a credit card! I use a credit card for everything... I have to remind myself to keep cash on hand for tolls/fast food/etc.

I'm still trying to figure out why people don't have cc's (I know the debt excuse, but an adult can't control what they buy?), so I can't even fathom the debit card fear.

[Serena]

I use checks because I know too many people that have had trouble with the debit cards. I normally have everything ready and just need to fill in the amount though.

[Kermit]

I thought that every person who used checks lived here to antagonize me! :D

It's not a big deal when people will fill out everything they know while they're waiting in line, but many will start looking for the checkbook after they get their total. And then they always have to record it right there. Just buy duplicate checks. Carbon copies are a wonderful invention.

I haven't used checks except for bill paying in ages. Once about 2 years ago, I was at a store and the credit card machine was down. I seriously thought for a few seconds that I was just going to have to make my purchases later, until I remembered that I always carry a check book.

[Lucky4me]

The ONLY reason I still write checks at the grocery store: It takes the store 5 days to cash the check! I figure with the amount of money I give them, I may as well hang on to it as long as possible. It's all psychological I know but it works for me. I fill out the check before I even get to the store and it only takes a few seconds for the transaction. I too get angry at the slow poke payers....

[nativetxn]

I'm more of an American Express kind of person :)

[abaldacci]

i lose my debit card. i have lost my debit card atleast 10 times this yr. i did makeup things to tell the the clerk when i get a new ones, but i have even given up on that. i just say now give a debit card the size of texas so i might be able to keep up with it.
she told me people lose them all the time and that i don't hold the record for losing them. i did feel better but i still keep losing them. ;)

DARE TO DREAM:D

[Boots]

Where I live there are still very few places that take a debit card. I try to be nice though and have my check already done except for the amount.

[DixieDreamer]

My credit union has not offered debit cards. They will be soon (this September). They provide me great rates, great service, and they know me by name (along with most all the other customers). I don't think I would abandon them for a big box bank - just because it took them a while to get authority and then set up for... debit cards.

I experience far more delays in lines due to errors of the cashier that require "management" to come clear and correct, people who can't figure out how to use the darn key pad on the debit/credit card console, and people haggling over whether the price rung up was the price they thought it should be.

Take a deep breath and relax. Check, debit card, credit card - they all take a few moments to transact. Life goes on and the few seconds lost or gained... are not likely to make all that much difference.

[DixieDreamer]

Oh... and yes... I live in the sticks.

[nancy679]

I never carry my check book, I always pay with a credit card--I dont even have a debit card. And I hardly have any cash on me either:rolleyes: The less cash I have, the less I spend.

[gina2000]

They do it to antagonize, annoy and aggravate you, Alex.

Not a bad thing.... ;)

[sogger1]

I have two reasons for using checks instead of debit/credit cards. One because they can't run a check through twice and lift your credit card/debit card number. Two they don't charge you a fee to use your own money when you write a check to get money back.

[WebmasterAlex]

but they can get your checking account number and if you show a license your license or worse your social security number..which is FAR worse....
My bank doesn't charge to use the debit card for cash back...

[Fishbone†]

Wow, if slow check-out lines are the biggest problems you all have to face, count yourselves blessed.

Sorry, I still use checks - I'm not scared of technology, just those who know how to use it. I even refuse to go to those places that instantly cash my check and hand it back to me. I want my signature on the piece of paper to be approved. Oh, and I also write slow - I like neat things, so if you happen behind me in line.... pick up a magazine and see if there's something interesting in it that you didn't already know. ;)

[WebmasterAlex]

a lot of the stores around here are starting to do that Fishbone, including wal-mart, K-mart and one grocery store.. you may be out of places to shop soon!

[Deb in IA]

I'm with DocRafiki and nancy 679.

I use credit cards for everything I possibly can. Helps to rack up those Frequent Flyer miles.

And although we have a $30,000 credit limit, we have never gotten into trouble, because we never put more on the card than we have in the bank.

[Krisu]

Usually use Debit card for everything, but if I do write a check everything except amount is already written. What irks me is when people seem surprised they are asked for ID, then go searching for it!

[Pin Wizard]

I write checks the least I can. I love paying bills online. :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc I only use a check when I have to mail a payment in because the company I'm dealing with isn't with the times. :rolleyes: :mad: The last time I wrote a check somewhere was when I had car work done. As I was writing it I thought...I should have just given the lady my debit card. It would have been much easier. Well, she took my check, ran it through her machine which encoded it and took all the info, and then handed me my check back right then. :rolleyes: Then I REALLY felt like I wasted time.

[Dream]

PHEW!!! You "technical types" just have to learn to RELAX a little! You know...hacuna matata and all that jazz! People are in too big of a hurry today! Alex....spend that time in line enjoying the slow-down. Take a few deep breaths....daydream....plan your next Disney trip....visualize your most peaceful place in the whole wide world. Come on...BREATHE...that's right! You're getting it! See now? That's not so hard is it? Do I hear a little Ommmmmmmm.......ommmmmmm? ;)

[Beauty]

I agree with Dream 100 percent....if your in that big of a hurry just wait and go some other time. If waiting in line after someone who writes a check is the worst you have to worry about I think your doing fine. I actually love to watch the little old ladies write their checks...they tickle me to death....especially when after they are through they stand to the side and look at every single think that was rang up.

And no charges to a credit card means no interest. We have one and its been probably a year since I've used it. I only have it to reserve hotel rooms etc. If I can't pay for it in cash immediantly I can save up for it. Seen too many of my friends get in trouble before they realized it. I'm with Deb there, if you don't have the money in the bank for the CC don't use it!

[browneyes]

Originally posted by WebmasterAlex
WHY people still use checks!
I use them to annoy people like you.:p I prefer to use my check. I can keep up with my balance better that way.

[JasonLyons]

I hate check people and people who want to give correct change, they slow down my life, they need there own country

[Beauty]

umhumm Jason! :( You hate me??:( See if I ever babysit PooPoo for you...EVER:mad: :(

[JasonLyons]

Beth use your debit card, I will show you how ;)

[browneyes]

Originally posted by JasonLyons
I hate check people and people who want to give correct change, they slow down my life, they need there own country
:( Jason hates me too.:( I do both.

I'll babysit Poo Poo for you.:) I'm in love with him.:p

[vickyBaby]

Credit card baby, credit card. I'm racking up those Amex points.

[A kid at heart]

What is so hard about writing down the amount used from the debit card like you would a check? On the same line that you would have written the check info just switch it for the debit info. easy as 1-2-3!

[browneyes]

If I've got my check book out to write that down, AKAH, I might as well right the check. I'm a speed writer. I write faster than I type (and I'm a pretty fast typer:p ).

[disykat]

I never use my debit card, but it's certainly not because I'm scared of it! Frankly, it never really occured to me to use it. Checks, credit card, and cash seemed like plenty of options to me. Usually I put everything on my cc (yes, I pay it off every month!) to get ff miles.

No matter which way people are paying, it's just a matter of some people being slow. I always have everything ready. My dh never even takes out his wallet until he sees the total. It drives me insane that he does this, but he won't listen to me. I guess I'm glad that I keep the checkbook, as he'd be a real slowpoke.

[WillyJ]

Okay, I'm sure I'll regret asking. . . but who or what is "Poo-poo" and why does it need babysitting????

:confused:

[browneyes]

Willy, Poo Poo is Jason's dd's new puppy. He's a cutie pie.:)

[Beauty]

Poo Poo has Pomeranian in him and those things bark ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!

[JasonLyons]

lol Wille

[Beauty]

ROTFLOL at Willy....What were you expecting the answer to be?? Enquiring minds want to know :)

Poo Poo has Pomeranian in him and those things bark ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!! :) :)

[browneyes]

Beth, my sil's Pom doesn't bark all the time. Coquette just likes to lick all the time (and she has a nasty habit I can't mention on the dis:o ).

[WillyJ]

Well Beth, I was hoping it was some kind of pet. . but things have been kind of weird around here lately. . ;)

:teeth:

[believe]

I pay with checks because debit cards are not free at my bank, there is a monthly fee that is more expensive than the checks I order. 90% of the time a pay with cash. I rarely have to show ID and I rarely have to fill the check out, just sign my name and the register fills in the amount. It doesn't take me any longer than someone with a debit card.

[Mskanga]

I am one of those who LIVES off the debit card , who REFUSES to write a check unless I have to...why?? because if I use it as debit the money comes out of my account right then and there and I don't have to sign nothing, I save ALL my receipts and balance my checkbook at home in the big book, there are certain places that I can only pay by check and I do that but most of my house bills are paid online ( great invention for me ) . My credit union is excellent, they offer all kinds of free programs with my checking account and I love it. I use my card as credit too but not as much.

[6_Time_Momma]

My big thing is not writing it in the check book! I have duplicate checks, so I can't forget to write it down.

Also, if I need groceries on Thurs, but don't get paid until Fri, well the debit card won't work, but that check will!! :)

[sharbear]

I want to say that I always use my debit card. It's just easier for me. I don't forget to write down my purchases that often. I just find it more convient for me.

I wish that some elderly people would feel comfortable using debit card. My heart goes out to people who have such a hard time writing struggle with writing a check when using the debit card would be so much easier.

My family and I went to Cabela's on Sat. The lady in front of us had two shopping carts of stuff. After the cashier rang up all that stuff ($716 worth and I think that the cashier was going in slow motion), then the woman looks for her checkbook. After she writes the check she then decides to have the cashier ring the entire transaction over again. She must have thought how could she have spent $716! This woman had a ton of stuff including a turkey fryer, I told my husband before they showed the total that she had probably a $1000 worth of stuff. We got in another line and when we left that lady was still in line. We waited half an hour to check out of Cabela's and there were two people in line in front of us. I thought that I was going to scream.

Sharbear

[Mamu]

Sometimes the mold is hard to break.

I'm one of those people that feels confortable using OLD METHODS.

Last spring I finally got a debit card. We needed it for our up coming trip to Italy.

I now wonder how I ever lived without one. I use nothing else. Love my debit card.

Us dinosaur's sometimes have a difficult time with changes.

[rbuzzotta]

Because I just LOVE my Disney checks!!!!!

In all honesty, I am afraid I will not log my debit purchase correctly and end up overdrafting or something!!!

DH uses his debit ALL the time!!

[DaveH]

Alex, I use to work for a bank(I left 3 years ago), the biggest problem folks have with debit cards is they forget to write the transactions in thier register. So there are folks who will write checks until they are no longer taken and alot will change stores until no one accepts them. Another reason is check kiting or as someone says float. The system in the us now is such they have 2 days at most if the stores get the checks in right away as most do. Banks are also looking for folks who send money between 2 or more banks and spending the same dolloar 2 or 3 times. That is illegal and they do go after them. The ones I love in the express line in the grocery store is the ones who can NOT count. It say 10 items and they have 30!!!!:o

[Poohbear123]

I personally like the Debit Card, but I am letting you all know: Debit Card and Check Card are the SAME THING!:rolleyes: When people run thier card thru the machine, I ask "Credit or Checking?" They inform me: "Oh, its Debit." SAME THING people, Same thing, it comes OUT of your Checking Account! :rolleyes: The only difference is, you have to SIGN the receipt for credit and you CANNOT get cash OUT with a Credit Card, only with the Check/Debit Card!;)

[Miss Jasmine]

I love my debit card. I hate writing checks. How hard is it to hold on to a receipt and record it in your checkbook when you get home? I also have internet access to my account so I can check and make sure that there are not any mistakes in my account. Funny thing yesterday...communication was down with my bank so I had to run it as a credit card, no biggy, the only difference is it wasn't taken directly from my account then. So if your debit card has a visa or mastercard logo you have the option to run it as a CC with about a two day lag. Not that I would ever float funds. :rolleyes:

[WDWfanatic288]

my mom uses checks sometimes..but only when she wants money...she balances her checkbook on the computer

but most of the time she uses a credit card! hehe! :p

[A kid at heart]

Then another solution is to stick the receipt right in the checkbook to write it in later!

[milmore104]

I use both checks and debit cards. I use my debit more often. I usually write a check if I didn't make it to the bank on Friday to deposit my DH paycheck. Therefore I can't use my debit because the money is in my hand and not in the account. I would never dream of balancing my checkbook in line. i usually have the check made out except for the amount by the time I'm there. And just a quick note. Not all banks offer them.

[cotye]

I don't think I've ever seen a person use checks up here for YEARS!!! I think the last time I saw someone use checks, she got dirty looks from every in line! Mostly people up here use cash, credit cards or debit. I prefer debit, because I usually don't carry all that much cash with me.

I only use checks when paying the odd bill and that's rare as most of my bills are registered online with my bank... so I pay through ATM, online or thru the telephone. I hate nothing more than to stand in line.

I just remember the fact that time is something that cannot be given back. Once it's gone, it's gone.

I used to live in a town dominated by university kids (two universities in a small town) and EVERYONE paid by debit or credit. The whole town's stores catered to us and I don't think they would even accept checks! LOL!!! :)

[Blondie]

I'm another check writer, and until they do away with them completely (which I do see in the future....hopefully not too soon though) I will continue to be a check writer.

However, as a courtesy to the customers behind me, I always write them out in advace. Then all I have to do is fill in the amount.

All of the stores I shop at have "check cashing cards." All they do is scan it, and it's approved. No waiting for me, the cashier, or the customer waiting behind me.

I must admit, the only people I have seen who wait to write out their checks, and then take so long to do so....have been men!:mad:

[Blondie]

I think part of it is the "float" you get by writing the check. If you use a debit a card the debit is asap. If you write a check it takes a couple of days to clear

Another reason I write checks.

Just want to add that I only write checks for my hair stylist and for groceries.

Everything else is by cash or most often, credit cards.

[Boo'sMom]

because EVERY machine slides the card a different way....talk about slowing me down...ugh..

[Blondie]

Boo'sMom, isn't that the truth!

Some have the strip to the left, others to the right, some don't scan at all and you have to repeat the process.

UGH!!!!!!!!!

Just wait awhile, soon we'll all have a microchip implanted somewhere on our bodies with all our financial and medical info.
It will also allow Big Brother to trace our every step. Just make sure your new ID numbers don't include 666! :eek: ;)