I would never use one at a store, but we seem to have a few situations every month that require them. Most recently, the kids passport applications, my son's summer camp (over $100 off to pay by check instead of cc), my daughter's riding lessons.
I use checks for contractors, magazines (so they can’t auto-renew and charge me), some random fees like the dog license.
I write a fair amount of checks for my dad. I actually like it! Less to handle online since I also have my own accounts at some of these places and it’s a really easy paper trail of what was paid and to who and again, they can’t auto charge/renew anything.
Post by penguingrrl on Feb 27, 2024 15:06:49 GMT -5
No, and I don’t think I even have any anymore. I don’t trust them. I pay my landscaper and cleaning lady in cash and go to the atm just for that, otherwise everything is digital.
I pay our C’s tutor (late 60s woman) a d my guitar teacher (early 30s man) with checks because that’s what they prefer. I’d rather Venmo/zelle/whatever, but I’m happy to pay them the way they want to be paid.
Post by mysteriouswife on Feb 27, 2024 15:09:18 GMT -5
We only use them for the kid’s school events. It’s rare that we cannot pay online though. We had to order checks when DS was in daycare. They would constantly misplace or credit the wrong account. I had the checks made with a picture of both my kids on them. There was no confusing who they belonged to at that point. DD had to take one to school last week. He teacher got a kick out of 9 year old DD being on the check.
Post by expectantsteelerfan on Feb 27, 2024 15:12:53 GMT -5
I use them occasionally, mostly for things like what others have mentioned already like sending money in to school for some things (although they prefer cash for a lot of things), paying workers for house stuff, and paying the occasional bill. But I don't carry my checkbook with me in my purse anymore, and I can't imagine ever paying for something at a store with a check.
When I worked at a pharmacy at the main checkout (so not the pharmacy area, checking out people buying toiletries and food and whatnot) in college in the early 2000's, every once in a while someone would pay with a check, and I think I needed to call the manager to help me because I didn't know how to treat it/what to do with it. But that also reminded me there were notices in the employee room about people whose checks we couldn't accept because they had bounced checks in the past.
Post by basilosaurus on Feb 27, 2024 15:13:51 GMT -5
In the late 90s? Sure, all the time. I usually had some available until about the last 5 years. So I find that word considering the era they're discussing.
I've gone backwards. For years now it's all cash for things like rent and utilities. And then forward with phone touch n go for public transport. I have no idea anymore.
Only when I have to. Mostly for stuff like home repair, our lawn guy in the summer, the occasional medical bill that can’t be paid online. Regular monthly bills are all paid online, and I wouldn’t use checks in any retail setting. I don’t carry the checkbook with me.
But the example you cited is from the 90s, and I’m sure a lot of people were still using checks regularly then. I know my mom for sure was.
I still use checks regularly because our county charges a fee to pay by credit card and they just changed everyone's account numbers, which screwed up a bunch of people that had their banks send checks.
Horseback riding and gymnastics are also only paid by check. Dance at least sends a square invoice each month, which is awesome.
I used one to buy my dog a few weeks ago from a shelter, so they are still in my purse! But usually they are only for paying contractors for various house repairs and such. Many of them even take a credit card these days, though.
I use a CC for almost everything, cash and check are both rare.
I pay the cleaning lady with a check, and the sewer bill, though I use my credit unions bill pay for that so I’m not the one actually writing it. I shop at Costco for my in-laws and they write me a check for their stuff. Otherwise everything now is electronic or credit card.
I still use checks regularly because our county charges a fee to pay by credit card and they just changed everyone's account numbers, which screwed up a bunch of people that had their banks send checks.
Out of curiosity - what does this mean? What kind of payments do you make to your county? And the county has its own bank?
Post by plutosmoon on Feb 27, 2024 15:26:36 GMT -5
I write checks on occasion. I've probably written 5-6 over the last year. I use a check for my transfer station sticker, the city charges a sizable fee to use a card. Some school things and fundraiser payments need checks. If I'm in the neighborhood of city hall I have paid the water bill with a check in person. My last two checks were to the oil company for a heater repair and the asbestos removal guys. I still carry my checkbook in my purse.
I used to Venmo my rent and my kids activities and my old daycare all take cards.
I don't think I have ever paid by check in a store.
I still use checks regularly because our county charges a fee to pay by credit card and they just changed everyone's account numbers, which screwed up a bunch of people that had their banks send checks.
Out of curiosity - what does this mean? What kind of payments do you make to your county? And the county has its own bank?
I have to pay the county every other month for trash and sewer here. We actually get 3 different "water" bills because of the way things are setup.
So you have an account# to pay your trash/sewer bill and they changed all the numbers. So it was a mess if you didn't pay attention. They don't do it by address.
We also have personal property tax in Virginia, so twice a year I have to write a check to the county for any cars/boats/RVs. They charge a credit card fee, so a check it is.
Post by EvieEthelGarland on Feb 27, 2024 15:31:22 GMT -5
The only checks I have are for my HELOC so when I need to write one (mechanic, PTA, GirlScout cookies) I then have to go move money immediately. I once forgot one a large car repair bill and the interest ending being almost as much at the fee the shop would've charged.
the banker was highly amused when I explained what my $15 and $30 checks twice a year were for when I had to get a new HELOC. She offered to order me checks for my main account--no thank you! With my luck I'd write a $$$ check for my remodel when I only have $ in regular checking.
Last Edit: Feb 27, 2024 15:32:03 GMT -5 by mofongo
Ok douche, go ahead and call it mud. My husband DID have halitosis. We addressed it after I talked to you girls on here and guess what? Years later, no problem. Mofongo, you're a cunt. Eat shit. ~anonnamus
Post by simpsongal on Feb 27, 2024 15:43:16 GMT -5
for set things - cleaners, daycare (when we went), and.... paying contractors? FWIW, it avoids the transaction fees on credit cards, so I think folks appreciate them over card swipes.