Cash or Check for Graduation Gift?

[fly girl]

I think you are fine doing either one. I know you want to make it as easy as possible, but the grad is going to receive both so it doesn't matter one way or the other.

 

[AppleDumpling]

Either is fine, but I agree with the posters above, checks are easy to deposit nowadays from home using a phone. DS23, who graduated 2 years ago, would probably prefer a check. He uses cash infrequently and would rather not have a lot of it lying around. Others may feel differently.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I would say if it's under $50 or so I would do cash, but if it's a larger gift, I would probably do a check.

 

[AppleDumpling]

I also prefer giving a check because then I am assured that the person actually received it (when I see the deposit go through) and the card with cash didn’t accidentally get lost.

This is a good point too, especially if you will be one of many gift givers to the graduate.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

You are super kind to think of the graduate, PollyannaMom I think asking the parents what their child might prefer is a good suggestion. Since you will be seeing the graduate in person, you won't have to be concerned about whatever you decide getting lost in the mail. Perhaps a gift card to a favorite store or restaurant, even Amazon might be another option. I do also like the prepaid Visa type card idea. Just keep in mind that those often do require you (the purchaser) to pay an added activation fee.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Asking the parents might work better if they were in high school but the student is in college. My mom wasn't really involved in my finances or how I did banking when I was in college and certainly not when I was graduating. But no harm no foul in asking if you want to.

 

[tvguy]

Definitely check, for the reasons listed already. I know very few people who use cash regularly. The only time I use cash is when I go to the farmer's market in the summer and they don't take cards. I got cash for my own birthday this year and would have much preferred a check.

The pandemic kind of shifted things away from cash, but the couple of businesses I frequent that went card only have started accepting cash again. I pay cash for gasoline to get the cash discount.
As I have mentioned before the best darn bakery here is run by a stubborn guy who refuses to take cards. He always tells complaining customers he sells out before closing every day so why take on the expense of accepting cards?

 

[jrmasm]

My 25 and 17 year old would prefer checks that they could deposit into their accounts. They rarely use cash.

 

[mjkacmom]

The pandemic kind of shifted things away from cash, but the couple of businesses I frequent that went card only have started accepting cash again. I pay cash for gasoline to get the cash discount.
As I have mentioned before the best darn bakery here is run by a stubborn guy who refuses to take cards. He always tells complaining customers he sells out before closing every day so why take on the expense of accepting cards?

We have a deli in town that’s been in business for at least 50 years, cash only, sandwiches wrapped in paper, price written on it with a sharpie and rung up on an old register. There isn’t even a sign saying cash only, everyone just knows.

 

[CynBeth]

Honestly I would do a gift card like the Visa, etc that can be used anywhere.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My DS22 is graduating from college this week! I know he would prefer checks since he can easily use his phone to deposit them. He rarely uses cash for anything. I always used Zelle to transfer money into his account. My mom used to periodically mail him checks so he would have extra spending money.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

I also prefer giving a check because then I am assured that the person actually received it (when I see the deposit go through) and the card with cash didn’t accidentally get lost.

This is exactly why I always give checks! Then i know for sure that the person received it!

 

[kuhltiffany]

Cheque. It can easily deposited by a picture these days. Who uses cash anymore?

 

[AgentMama]

Honestly I would do a gift card like the Visa, etc that can be used anywhere.

I definitely wouldn't do this. It costs money to load the money onto the card and if you have a transaction that exceeds the balance of the card you can't always process it. People often forget they have giftcards.

I think both sides of the check/cash argument have valid points, i would do whatever is easiest for you.

 

[kymom99]

The pandemic kind of shifted things away from cash, but the couple of businesses I frequent that went card only have started accepting cash again. I pay cash for gasoline to get the cash discount.
As I have mentioned before the best darn bakery here is run by a stubborn guy who refuses to take cards. He always tells complaining customers he sells out before closing every day so why take on the expense of accepting cards?

We have a seasonal ice cream place that takes cash only

 

[kymom99]

My son graduated yesterday. I gave him a new wallet with a $50 bill in it. My friend sent him a check in the mail. It all spends.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I definitely wouldn't do this. It costs money to load the money onto the card and if you have a transaction that exceeds the balance of the card you can't always process it. People often forget they have giftcards.

I think both sides of the check/cash argument have valid points, i would do whatever is easiest for you.

You can process it normally you just have to input the exact amount left on the card and process it that way by inputting the exact amount. That's really the main difference between store gift card and these pre-paid cards. The store gift card should just automatically know what the remaining balance is, the pre-paid cards because they are cash on a card the store doesn't often have access to that information.

The advantage towards pre-paid cards is they are accepted anywhere where the merchant is (visa, mastercard, etc) but they do have downsides.

 

[Toolulu22]

I also think it’s kind of you to try to accommodate the graduate. I think that either way, they will appreciate your gift.

 

[MrsPete]

Go with whichever option is easier for you -- as someone said above, it all spends. I suspect you're putting more thought into the method than the graduate will!

 

[fortwildernessishome]

We have a seasonal ice cream place that takes cash only

We have at least three places in my town that only take cash. I know of more places that only take cash in other areas that we travel too. I am really surprised to hear so many respond that they don't use cash at all. My husband, myself and both of my boys ages 25 and 28 always have cash in our wallets.

I answered check as my gift, but that is only because I like to make sure the person received it.