Anyone here still write checks in stores? Have any problems?

[rainbow4321]

Sis doesn't use a debit card, instead she writes checks.
The other day she was out shopping and when it came time to write her third check for the day, it was rejected by the store when they ran it thru Telecheck.
She called Telecheck herself and was told that a person cannot write 3 checks in one day without throwing up a "potential fraud alert" red flag at Telecheck.
Ok, fine...but even after she called and spoke directly with Telecheck, using all of their security questions and identifiers, they still would not release/unfreeze her account. Said that there would be a WEEKlong freeze and she could NOT write checks for the next 7 days, per their policy.
So she had to break down and get a debit card from her bank to use in the interim.
Like I said, she is a frequent check writer...this just happened to be the first time that she wrote 3 checks in one day. None were for huge, questionable amounts, either.

[MichiganVote]

1. Never heard of that happening.

[madeline_con]

2. "Ok, fine..." ??? NOT fine! I'd find another bank.

I use my debit card for everything except school yearbooks and the like.

Does your sister's bank not know some people might decide to shop or travel for chrissake!

[eallen]

66. It's not the bank. It's the merchants. They're using the same check-clearing service.

She would have no problem writing a check to a merchant who didn't use that service. The bank isn't even in the loop, until the check reaches them.

:hippie:

[DJ13]

3. Who owns TelechecK? Maybe Visa or Mastercard?

If either does theres have a financial incentive to force check writers into using a debit card instead.

The merchant pays a fee to them for each debit transaction.

[rainbow4321]

68. Per Google, it is owned by FirstData...

which also is showing to be a tool of the chimp regime:


http://hipparchia-moonlighting.blogspot.com/2007/06/sermonizing-and-stuff.html

Speaking of pulling numbers out of ethers, in that same book, Cheney or some henchperson figures out that if you follow the money, you can maybe track terrorists. Rather than hurriedly cobble together a computer program and/or database, they just went to FirstData and got all their data. Yep, that's right, FirstData would be the company that handles abut half the credit card transactions in the US. Cheney didn't even have to snarl at them to get them to hand over the info, they were plumb tickled to do their patriotic duty and help their country. Nor is this the first-ever time in history that the government has asked a huge corporation to hand over their records of their customers' transactions and the corporation has complied.

[gateley]

4. Strapping on my chapeau

:tinfoilhat:

They want to make it difficult for anybody to use anything OTHER than a trackable debit card.

[Trillo]

11. I believe these new check clearing services

are considered "third party", and I've had merchants require me to sign a disclaimer allowing that breach of privacy, otherwise, you have to pay using another method.

My point is that these third party services would seem to allow tracking, unlike it used to be in the old days when it was between you, the merchant, and your bank. Privacy is so compromised these days.

[gateley]

16. Privacy is a memory these days. nt

[blonndee]

12. No need for a tinfoil hat, IMO.

It's obvious what's going on. Profit, convenience...oh, AND "trackability."

[Speck Tater]

5. That's news to me. But I NEVER use checks any more.

It just seems so 20th century to be hand writing numbers on a piece of paper.

[CRF450]

17. I dont use them either, it just seems like a waist of time these days

to write out a check when you could just swipe your card and punch in your PIN number.

[merh]

6. It happened to me with just ONE check

on an account that had more than enough to cover the check (and then some). and at a store that I have credit with (didn't have my card) thought check would be easier. I raised hell with the store and with telecheck and filed a complaint against them - the store was embarrassed and now they don't run that check on my checks. Its a gimmick - if you pay for the "gold membership" with telecheck you get a card to present with your check and they don't have to call and get approval.

[orleans]

26. are you kidding?

"if you pay for the "gold membership" with telecheck you get a card to present with your check and they don't have to call and get approval. "

what a fucking scam!

i had an "issue" with office depot a few years ago--i had several thousand dollars in a checking account and that fucking telecheck wouldn't clear my goddamn check. i was furious! and furious with office depot for not accepting the check. i told them there was an office max just as close to my house as they were and it would be a cold day in hell before i came back to office fucking depot.

(i stayed clear of them for over two years--closer to three years. i go there once in several blue moons. i'm still pissed about it)

[merh]

27. I promise you that is the game.

I was so angry and embarrassed when they refused my check because of the "flagged activity" - I raised hell with the manager and then came home and raised hell with telechek and then the store's corporate office. I emailed them a huge complaint and they had some district rep call me. He checked into it and then put an approval on their computer system so my checks didn't need the telechek check. Then when telechek's rep contacted me he said the way to make sure it never happened again was to get their "gold card" - he said they would give me the first year free to make up for the embarrassment, all I had to do was complete the application and send it to him. The application was a full credit application. I stored it away.

I don't want their card and they need to be investigated for their corrupt practices and what I see as extortion.

[orleans]

32. wow--a little google:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/300/RipOff0300252.htm

http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/439.aspx

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewArticle.asp?id=23496

http://www.consumertipsreports.org/what_you_need_to_know_about_telecheck_and_certegy.html


how much do they charge for a year membership?

(although any amount is too much--what a bunch of horseshit! hello? congress? anyone tried writing checks lately?)

[merh]

37. Oh yeah, there are tons of complaints about the company

and the "flagging" of accounts with no reason. I did file a complaint with the FTC but nothing came of it.

I think the check protection service is like 50 a year
http://www.processwithsterling.com/pdfs/items/itemInfo46.pdf

Its like the protection offered by gangs or the mob, they control the neighborhood and if you don't pay them monthly, they will destroy your store or beat you up.

Under GWB the credit companies have been allowed to get such a hold on us and profit every way imaginable. Do you realize that to pay monies owed to the gov you have to use a credit card or direct withdrawal from your account? They don't take checks, as least the SBA doesn't. So that means the gov is loosing money because the pay a percentage of what is owed to them (and paid by the debtor) to the credit card companies to process the payments.

[orleans]

108. it really is like mob protection. unfucking real. n/t

[napi21]

7. Check for another bank, and before opening an account, I'd ask

what THEIR policy was on # of checks per day! I've NEVER heard of such an insane policy and I've been involved with the banking industry for over 40 years. THAT'S crazy!

I would also contact the current bank and find out if this is their policy or a Telecheck policy. Allbeit I've never heard of such a thing, Telecheck guarantees the merchant the funds if they've authorized a check that turns out to be bad. Maybe THEY have had a rash of bad checks and changed THEIR policy!

[TexasObserver]

8. I have a friend who is a bank president. It happened to his wife at Christmas.

Are these people brain dead?!

It's Christmas time. People are shopping. Women are writing checks (come on, men don't usually write checks for such consumer purchases). They shop. They buy. They write checks.

It's not that the account is tapped out or that there is any valid reason for flagging it. Someone is writing checks, so dammit, better stop them!!

My buddy's wife had to leave hundreds of dollars at the checkout counter and leave very embarrassed over having her check turned down.

I would never write a check for consumer purchases again.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

10. But, is it a way to FORCE you to put it on a credit card? nt.

[rainbow4321]

41. That was our first thought, also

Having no debit card, her only other option would have been to pull out her credit card. Luckily this all happened when she was "only" trying to buy a single item in a clothes store and she put the item back...had it been after a huge weekly grocery shopping trip she would have been forced to leave all the groceries behind or use a credit card.

Frustrating thing is, you know there is some CEO or huge corporation filling their coffers with this check limit thing. And obviously they don't advertise it in bold letters anywhere, cuz if they did, I would have gotten responses in this thread telling me that everyone (except me and sis) knew about this restriction!

[formercia]

49. Data Mining

Credit Card data are easy to data mine, checks are not.

Big Brother wants you to use your credit card.

[tbyg52]

91. Big Brother can kiss my *** - I pay cash.

It involves carrying a fair amount around, but I'm a cantankerous old coot. One of our vets won't take it though - say they don't keep change. Next time I go there, I'm going to have a whole boatload of ones and fives, and a dollar in change, and hand them the exact change, just for fun.

[formercia]

94. Pay them in coins

then say: I just want to make sure you have change next time I come in. Make sure its a mixture of small denominations.

If they complain, tell them you're so broke, you had to raid the piggy bank to make ends meet.

[LostinVA]

105. Why wouldn't someone get a debit card?

They're so easy, and with a debit card, you're not the person holding up the line writing out a check.
.

[tbyg52]

116. My reasons

Because, I understand, a lost one can get your account cleaned out with no recourse (unlike a credit card, which I do use sometimes), and some purchases cause holds, sometimes for several days, larger than the purchase, so that you can be technically overdrawn even if you have more money than what you've put on the card.

[merh]

18. Flagging accounts because of activities is telecheks way to

make more money - you can apply for a "gold card" and pay their annual fee (I think it is $50) and then you get a card to present with your purchases. They never have to "call it in" when you have that card.

[IntravenousDemilo]

9. No, I don't hear of that much anymore. Now, if people ahead of me in line want to waste my time and

piss me off, they pay with a credit card, or they hunt for exact change.

[FloridaJudy]

13. I misplaced my debit card last week

And had to write checks until I found it. I cannot believe the amount of hassle I got: in one case it took over an hour for my check to be approved. And none of this was for enormous amounts of money - just groceries and sundries. I know that most places can get your check cleared in nanoseconds by running it through a machine. And it's just as easy to track your financial transactions by check as by credit card.

Why they make it so difficult is beyond me.

[shanti]

30. they make it difficult

because it's they don't want US writing checks.

[Blue_In_AK]

14. I always write checks,

and I take great pleasure in slowing down the process at checkout lines, ala those stupid TV commercials. It's just the contrarian in me, I guess. :shrug: I've never had any problem, but I usually don't write more than a couple of checks a day anyway.

[DaveJ]

19. What's the point? I don't get it.

Forgive me, my job involves technology so I'm totally oblivious to why anyone would use a check anymore.

Sure card companies will rip off vendors with their surcharges but those are going to be less than the loss from fraudulent check writers. There's no reason not to adopt new technology in this instance. I just don't get it.

[Blue_In_AK]

21. Because I don't feel like it.

I adopt new technology selectively, and for now, I like my checks with the pretty pictures on them, I abhor plastic cards, and until someone forces me to use a debit card, I'm not going to do it. I'm just stubborn that way.

[DaveJ]

22. Okay, my question was misdirected.

I would not expect check writers to complain when businesses reject them. I guess you aren't like the OPs friend then.

If you're doing it for self gratification that's fine, but to expect any business to accept them these days is unreasonable.

[Blue_In_AK]

23. It hasn't become an issue up here,

but I guess Alaska is just behind the rest of the world -- which is why I like it.

[DaveJ]

24. Yeah, on the mainland there are theives everywhere

It's crazy to expect a store owner to take a check based on someone's word that it will turn into real money. A lot of people just think they can disappear into the masses after ripping someone off. It's probably different where you are.

[Blue_In_AK]

25. I believe they have some kind of scanners

that make sure there's money in your account. The technology's there, it's just running in the background.

And, really, I'm just kind of giving you a hard time. My husband doesn't understand why I don't like debit cards either, because he loves his. I think my opposition may have something to do with the fact that my ex used to use a debit card to raid our account when he was on his coke runs. I very quickly realized we needed to maintain separate accounts, but not before it made a lasting impression in my brain. Debit card = DANGER DANGER.

[AnneD]

44. I prefer checks too...

Easier for me to know exactly how much money I have (I do carbon copy checks). I tend to lose track with debit cards-just like I did with credit cards when I had them.

[uppityperson]

57. Same reason MrUP does also, for duplicate checks. I've had probs with debit cards

My credit union's debit card company only (collates?) amounts in the morning and evening. So if I deposit $92834720 into an account at noon, and the account had only $2 in it in the morning, then I try to use my debit card, it is refused until after 5 when the debit company rechecks amounts. They are "working on getting real time coordination" but don't have it yet. I was told to get out cash or write a check if I needed money before 5 pm.

[AnneD]

62. That's stinky....

good thing they are nice to you and have great rate uh.....

[uppityperson]

64. My debit card has no "rate" but comes straight out of checking account.

And yes, I do like my local credit union. Being part of a local credit union makes it difficult to deposit money when away from my area, but I do like being able to call and have them know who I am. They are nice and helpful.

[AnneD]

69. I get the same service.....

of course it takes a while to do my banking-we like to chat when we are there. But if you have a problem or a serious need-they are there for you. I was setting up my daughter's account and we needed to know how she could access it at her college in another state. They set us up with the CU network, gave us a map to the CU near her college that works with them and it's hours, set up her account, linked it to mine, gave her overdraft protection, explained the benefits of getting a student loan from them and included the access number, and told her that they would help her in any way they could. Now I'd like to see mega bank give that kind of service.

[AnneD]

74. I meant rates...

on CD's , savings accounts, etc-they are normally highter than banks as a rule. Debit cards should carry no rate because it is your money,

[Triana]

53. FOR ME THE POINT IS that debit cards can be stolen and used...

....just like a credit card. I HAD THAT PROBLEM. And guess what? If it's a DEBIT card the amount comes DIRECTLY OUT OF YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT if someone gets hold of it. Unlike a credit card, where you pay on time or monthly - a DEBIT card comes right out of your bank account - INSTANTLY.

I USED to use them and then STOPPED. I REFUSE TO HAVE A DEBIT CARD. I have a credit card, and write checks and pay cash - PERIOD.

SURE the bank straightened out the mess once they found the charges were fraudulent and I didn't lose any money - BUT - I AM NOT and I repeat NOT opening myself up or my BANK ACCOUNT up to whoever happens to get my debit card - they can WIPE YOU OUT in less than 10 minutes! Hello?

So yap, I WRITE CHECKS and sometimes use a CC or cash. I have an ATM card - but it is NOT a debit card -- I REFUSE to use DEBIT CARDS.

And that is why. It IS and should remain the CONSUMER'S CHOICE as to what method they choose to pay. With all the fraud, identity theft, and crooks out there stealing and using other people's cards, names, etc. - the consumer ought to have a damn choice - and that INCLUDES the choice to continue to write checks if they want.

I will NEVER EVER HAVE ANOTHER DEBIT CARD.


Period.

[Better Today]

63. Yep! You got it. I've never had a Debit Card or an ATM card.

I also don't use online banking or bill paying. "Save paper" my arse. In the end we are each responsible for keeping presentable documentation of our transactions if/when we get audited, which means that either they are printing it or I am printing it, but someone is going to print it. Drives my banking companies nuts though, they push and push every time I have to speak with someone on the phone; get a debit card, get an ATM card, go "paperless". . . not happening.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

109. I do the same.

Cash, Checks, Credit cards.

NO debit cards. I want to make damn sure I keep track of the credit card and check trxs.

[DaveJ]

99. Given your hypothesis, is everyone else stupid?

Hundreds of millions of people are fine using cards, debit or credit, to pay for purchases. Are they a bunch of idiots? It's only money.

Sure someone can steal your card just as they can steal cash out of your wallet and they can steal a check out of your wallet.

The remaining issue is whether the bank will reimburse you against theft.

To me this all just sounds like aversion to technology.

The only problem with cards is that they incur a service charge for the payee. If that problem were resolved, there would be no reason to use checks anymore. Checks are a waste of time. Nobody verifies your signature. Checks are processed exactly the same way cards are.

Checks are totally archaic.

[hellbound-liberal]

102. I agree with you Blue! Every time I see one of those commercials I want to go out and write a check

I think it's sick that we are represented in those commercials as cogs in an efficiently running machine where we can empty our checking accounts with a swipe of a card.

[Warpy]

15. Yow. That hasn't happened to me

Should it, you'll be able to hear my screeching all over the country.

I can understand voluntarily agreeing to something like this for fraud protection, but having your account involuntarily frozen because someone has hired this ridiculous service should make you change banks, at the very least.

They want to use some stupid service like this one, they can ask me first.

[rainbow4321]

39. Well and that is what sis and I said..

Ok, we could understand the fraud protection and would appreciate it...but once SHE contacted Telecheck herself and passed all their security questions, the whole restriction/red flag thing should have been lifted immediately. And the week long restriction rule not even mentioned or put in place!!
She did mention that she saw and article on AOL a few days after her check writing incident that talked about check writing being forcibly phased out, as in businesses nationwide would no longer accept checks at ALL. She didn't save me the article and I've tried unsuccessfully to google it. Coincidental timing for that to happen to her and then AOL posting that news article online.

[Kali]

20. sometimes I write one to the feed store if I am short on cash.

Of course he uses a mechanical cash register, a rotary dial phone and would give me credit without a signature on his hand written carbon copy receipts, but then he isn't normal either.

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

28. IKEA

Had a check approved one day and another rejected two days later. Had to go to the bank and withdraw the fucking cash and go back to get my furniture.


The poor cashier, whom I was nice to, blamed it on a computer glitch. I felt very sorry for the poor girl.

[1]

29. i know, its wrong, but every time i see a "checkwriter" ahead of me i think....

GET AN ATM CARD YOU OLD FUCK! OR A CREDIT CARD!

i know. i'm bad. but that's what i think...

[GoldenOldie]

31. This "old fuck," will continue to write checks

Having worked in banking for 15-yrs when they still had the hometown banks, with tellers and bookkeepers who actually knew their customers and customers who knew how to maintain a checkbook, I know how easy it is to lose control of your finances and open yourself up to identity theft. I refuse to let others control my finances. Having my SO use a debit card with his checking account while I balance and monitor it only proves my point that errors are easily made by both the debit card holder and the cashier.

I always write most of my check out prior to reaching the cashier and only have to fill in the amount....much less time than using a debit card.

[1]

33. then i bless you, you "old fuck'...

i was referring to those other "old fucks" that stand at the checkout in front of me and only begin their check writing routine after the cashier says "that will be $15.89."

then they pull out their checkbook...

and they begin all of that shit a check writer does. that penmanship. oh! and that thing where they include this current check into that running total in their checkbook and attempt to balance their account before my eyes.

be gone check writing old fucks. there should be a national law against check writing.

hate!

slowing down the economic progress of america...

[uppityperson]

59. People are in SUCH a hurry these days.

That is too bad. (not criticizing you in particular, just society in general. Rush rush rush rush rush. "How you doing? Keeping busy?" "yeah, way to busy". I mean, why? end of mini-rant)

[CreekDog]

35. that doesn't protect you from identity theft

any more than using cards opens you up to identity theft.

your information is out there unless all your money is in a mattress and you don't have accounts of any kind anywhere.

:eyes:

if you want to be a luddite and write checks for retail purchases, there's nothing inherently wrong with that. if you think it protects you, you're crazy.

my friend's identity was stolen through regular old fashioned checks. someone broke into a mailbox and swiped her bills which had just been mailed.

[1]

36. i saw an ep of the sopranos like that too. eloise (season 4 ep. 51)...

paulie breaks into minn matrone's house because he knows she hides her cash under her bed. push comes to shove, paulie suffocates minn with a pillow. takes her money.

identity theft to the extreme...

[Triana]

58. Another check-writing old fuck here...

...and I'm NOT gonna stop using them - see response #53 for one damn good reason. I used to only use debit and credit cards and rarely write checks, but then - after someone got into my bank account with my debit card, I went back to writing checks.

[scarletwoman]

42. Some of us don't particularly care to have all our buying habits available to electronic scrutiny.

Because that's what using plastic means -- your every transaction is another entry into someone's database, whether corporate or governmental.

I use checks (or cash) because I want to remain as below the radar as possible. Not because I have anything to hide, I just totally resent being tracked like a banded bird.

sw

[TwixVoy]

46. You don't know what you are talking about

Not intending to be rude, but I'm a retail manager for a national retailer and if you think your check isn't electronically processed I'm sorry to tell you that you're wrong.

First of all every check we accept gets put in the computer, and goes in the same database as the credit card transactions. Every check we accept is also copied by the bank, (front and back) and is available for us to view online for two years. It is also viewable to the bank of course. In fact we are actually more in depth about getting the information from your check because there is a chance it could bounce, where as if a credit/debit card is approved we get paid 100% unless a chargeback happens.

We also deduct your money ELECTRONICALLY. We put in the routing and account numbers from your check, and it is electronically deducted from your bank account.

It is essentially almost the same process as credit/debit cards, except we have to go through a third party payment processor for those.

I can not wait for the day when we stop accepting checks. I would say at least 20% of the checks we accept (or attempt to accept) end up being fake. We actually have an entire group at the home office that does nothing but chase down people who write fake checks at the stores.

[scarletwoman]

50. I know my check is electronically processed. You've missed my point.

There's no credit card company keeping tabs on exactly what items I purchase, where and how often. Checks aren't line by line electronic lists of each can of soup and box of crackers and 6-pack of beer scanned in the check-out line.

[TwixVoy]

73. sigh....

You say "credit card company". And who is the credit card company? (you DO know the answer to that right?) Your bank. Who is it that handles your checks? Oh right the same organization, your bank.

Your logic is faulty which appears to be because you don't understand how credit payments are handled. They (your bank) are keeping the same "tabs" on you regardless of if you use a check/credit card.

And yes - your check IS a line by line list. We link every check we process to what you purchase, and just about any other retailer should be doing the same thing.

Guess what though? Your bank has NO IDEA what items exactly you are purchasing. Either via credit card OR check. When you pay with a card ALL the bank knows is how much money we are charging you. They don't have a clue if you bought a TV or an above ground pool. Same thing for your check.

If you think using a card means we are sending a list to your bank of what items exactly you are purchasing you are sadly mistaken. They get the same information regardless of if it is check or a card payment.

Now do we the retailer keep tabs on exactly what you are purchasing, how often, what time of day, etc to better understand how to get you to buy more? Damn right. The only way to escape that is to use cash. If you are concerned about line by line lists you should be worried about the stores you shop at collecting that information, not your bank who could care less.

[usaftmo]

97. Please disregard whoever sent you reply #'s

42 and 50. That individual is obviously stubborn and narrow-minded. I placed that person on ignore so my eyes aren't exposed to the filth coming from that person.

From January of 2001 until earlier this summer I only placed 1 person on ignore. Over the last 6 weeks I've added about a dozen to that list. Maybe I'm getting old/cranky/don't tolerate nonsense as much as I used to.

:shrug:

[PatSeg]

89. I was wondering when someone from retail would speak out

No one seems to realize how many bad checks retailers get stuck with. I guess if you're not in retail you wouldn't know how common it is. I understand some people's reluctance to use debit cards, but bad checks are a real problem that has been around for a long time.

[tbyg52]

92. 20% fake? Wow.

I guess, among other things, that means those check verification services aren't doing a very good job....?

[TwixVoy]

107. Well a lot of them ARE rejected

however, the criminals that are "good" at creating fake checks usually steal someone elses routing and account numbers. Then they print their own checks at home. IF the cashier is on the ball enough to call a manager over to verify the check when they know it looks odd, or know what to look for themselves, we can catch it before we even try to run it through. However, IF the cashier doesn't know well enough what to look for they will run it through. All the system does at that point is take the routing and account numbers and check them. If they are good (because they are stolen from an innocent person) the check will be approved. Of course then 2-3 days later that person finds their account empty.

Usually the only time the system will reject the check is in the event the scammer has used that persons account information too much, or if the scammer just randomly created a fake routing and account number themselves. If they are using legit numbers they stole from someone it will almost always be approved.

[grace0418]

110. Cash is one thing, but if you think your checks aren't available for electronic scrutiny you

are kidding yourself. If someone wants to know something about you badly enough, they're going to be able to find out. Unless you stay completely under the radar and exclusively use cash, you leave a trail. That's just reality.

Personally, I figure if the technology is out there anyway, I'm going to use it for my advantage. If everything I do can be electronically tracked, then I might as well track it too. For instance, when I pay a bill online, I can track it at any time. I know when it leaves my account and when it is suppose to be credited. If it doesn't get credited properly, it's my bank that has to rectify the situation, not me. But if I were to pay the same bill with a check via snail mail, I have no way of knowing what happens to it until it's posted to my account. For all I know, it could be sitting on someone's desk under a stack of papers until they finally decide to cash it and then tell me "Hey, your payment was received late. That's a $25 charge."

[AnneD]

48. And I often wonder...

who keeps better track of their money, who lives within their means, and who is in over their heads in debt.

My guess is that the folks writing checks have a better handle on it (they just don't want to handle that much cash). Now days, checks are cleared on the day you write them in many stores. How many folks using credit cards can handle that kind of expenditure?

And why would I want to shell out ATM fees for accessing MY money. I'd rather keep the money in my pocket. And the same for credit cards. Me give you 19-29% of my money....only if you have a gun to my back.

Personally, I generally pay cash with the majority of my purchases (I ask for and get deals on big purchases), but have written checks if I don't have enough cash. My carbon copy check comes in very handy in tracking my expenses and helping me keep up with my bills. I tried electronic bill pay and paid a few folks twice thus putting me in a hole the first (and last) month I tried it. I use my e-account to transfer fund and monitor my accounts-so I am not afraid of the technology. But technology serves me, I don't serve technology.

The only time I use a debit card is during travel and when ordering online, thus making it very easy to spot fraud.

Oh, FYI, you won't find me in a self check out line.....that is taking a job from someone that needs it.

So think about THAT next time you see a check writer.

Oh, and embarrass me by not taking my perfectly good checks and I won't be back ever again (even after I give an earful to management and the corporate office).

[tammywammy]

72. I'm going to think of this post

The next time I have to collect on a bounced check.

[AnneD]

79. There will always be theives....

but think of the number of check that go though that are good verses the few that are bad. That is the number you need to look at. One can get a bit myopic if you focus on the bad. I know, it is human nature to focus on the bad when you are holding bad checks, but not everyone is a thief. Think of how many go through that are good.

[grace0418]

111. Well, when I worked in retail, checks were much more likely to be fraudulent than

any other kind of payment. And it was much harder to track down the person writing a bad check. Credit card companies dealt with credit card fraud. Retailers generally got stuck with bad checks. Maybe that's changed, I've been out of retail for awhile, but that was the case a few years back.

You may say your checks are perfectly good, but a retailer who's been screwed over multiple times in the past has no way of knowing if you're telling the truth until it's too late. Not saying you personally write bad checks, but surely you can imagine than people who do write bad checks don't going around telling store clerks "Hey, I'm going to write a bad check for this. Cool?" I think most retailers would rather risk losing a small number of people who refuse to use debit or credit cards than get stuck with bad checks.

[noamnety]

90. I just recently got one after a decade without.

Two reasons I went without. One, I was in a situation where I needed the cash, didn't have credit cards at the time - because I couldn't qualify for one. I went to the ATM - and it ate my card. Three day weekend with no money at all and a kid is a bit rough.

I was pretty pissed off, but then I got a replacement. When I got married the bank started charging a fee for a second card on the same account. To hell with that, I am not paying a monthly fee for the rest of my life because they made a second copy of a square of plastic one time. It doesn't cost them any extra to have us own two cards instead of one. So I canceled it.

I got one recently for a specific purpose, but calling people names for refusing to pay extra fees, or for not having established credit is unnecessarily, and makes classist assumptions about people.

[Hekate]

34. I only stopped writing checks because my hands became stiff and clumsy. I refuse to use a debit card

.... however. Damned if I'm going to give explicit permission for anyone else to dip into my bank account -- I use my credit card instead, and pay it off every month.

I miss the check writing though, because it was my method of keeping track of all my purchases. I could look at the check register at the end of the year and figure out exactly where everything had gone and why. Now all I have is whatever shorthand the credit card company uses on their statement.

The thing is -- the corporations have been talking up a "paperless economy" for at least a decade. It's all hyper-modern and computerized, y'see, so whoop-te-doo, get with the program. Those of us who do not WANT to get with the program -- like your sister, like me -- are being pressured by things like the Telecheck harassment your sister is experiencing.

I really think that is what is going on. Big Business wants us to believe it is for the consumers' benefit and convenience, but just try to run counter to them and see how inconvenient they can make your life.

As for banks -- don't get me started. My previous bank kept merging and shedding employees until no one knew who we were. Two things were the last straw--a teller informing me that for deposits and withdrawals I could use the ATM machine outside the door (and incidentally not bother the remaining humans), at which I informed her that when that day came I would no longer be their customer; and second, when I went to access my safe deposit box I discovered there were two boxes with the same number, because another branch had closed and they'd simply transported that cache of boxes to my branch. We now use a small local bank, and the service is nicer. We are lucky -- I've read that some towns no longer rate a bank branch, and their only option is ATMs.

Hekate

[dems_rightnow]

38. A check

Is explicit permission to dip into your bank account, as well.

[Hekate]

87. Not quite the same way. My husband knows a guy who ended up with a misplaced decimal ...

... when he used his debit card at the pump to purchase gas. You know, instead of being charged $35.57 he was charged $355.70. He saw the machine-made mistake instantly, but the clerk inside the station made it clear that there was no recourse at his end of the deal. The last hubby heard, the guy simply was out the money.

Hekate

[carlyhippy]

40. I hardly write checks anymore

Now with this procedure where I go to the trouble of writing a check, the clerk runs the written check through the machine and hands it right back to me, it's too much trouble. Alot easier to whip out the debit card.

[Hidden Stillness]

43. I Love Checks, Again

I had stopped writing checks for anything but paying bills, and used a credit card for even ordinary small purchases--big mistake. Like many people, I noticed bigger and bigger credit card bills, fees, interest, all this crap, then several months ago, went on a complete reversal, not using the credit card unless for emergencies, paying down the bill, and going back to checks. I pay for things as I have the money, and wait if I don't. It was slow at first, had to show drivers' license, until I got into the store's system and they got used to me. Now at my usual stores, they don't even waste time on a computer-check because they know me, also the scan goes through immediately. I have never had a problem, and if you do, it isn't because it is a check; it is because the corporation is choosing to make a target of you. I love checks again, and love the fact that I am reducing the credit card oppressor to only minimal use. I will get rid of credit before I get rid of checks; now it is a war against the credit card industry.

[Triana]

56. ditto that too, same here...

...I use them only for what I have to - occasionally small purchase, online purchases, monthly charges, etc. Pay it off EVERY MONTH so no extra charges, and use checks for groceries, etc. Or, more rarely, cash.

[doni_georgia]

45. My checks were denied at two stores recently

Both stores used the same check company (starts with an S - can't remember the name). I called the number they give you. They said I had bounced a $150+ check to Publix. Nope - hadn't bounced a check at all - I always use my check card at Publix. I checked with my bank - I had not bounced a check at all. Called the check verification company again, got the check number - not even remotely close to my check numbers (it was in the hundreds, my checks are in the 10,000 range, since I have had the same account for 20 years). Anyway, I called the check return center for Publix who showed I had never bounced a check with them (I already knew that). Anyway, I just decided not to use checks at stores any more, but I'm not using my check cards at the stores that use that check company either. I have just started withdrawing cash from my bank and shopping with cash.

[Edweird]

47. I don't write checks, ever, if I can avoid it. Your account number is on there

and it's easy to order "clones". On the other hand, I would have raised hell and read the store the "Riot Act" and made it clear that if they don't want my money then I will shop elsewhere.

[Lorentz]

51. Get a debit card and stop holding up the line at the store!

This isn't 1975 anymore.

[Name removed]

55. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[uppityperson]

60. Slow down and smell the roses.

I always wonder if people who complain about holding up a line by writing a check are the same people who tailgate me, then pass in a rush to get to the same place 15 seconds earlier.

[Codeine]

78. I'll slow down

when I'm someplace where it's worth slowing down. The grocery store isn't one of those places.

[Trillo]

65. It takes just as long to write the debit in the register

record the date, place of transaction, whip the debit card through the slot, punch in the pin, then fold it all back up again, and put the pen away, as it does to write a check and hand it to a merchant. I've found no significant time difference.

Now I agree there are a number of debit card users who do not appear to record their transaction in their checkbook register, I'm guessing that these people likely overdraw their accounts from time-to-time, and probably are more trusting of the statements they get from their bank.

[tammywammy]

67. Or people wait and do it at home

I don't sit there and write everything down while at the register.

And I never over draw my account either.

[Trillo]

70. There's no time "like now" to do something.

Delaying something, for many of us, means it never gets done. Maybe we forget. Maybe we're busy doing something else. Doing it "now" insures it gets done.

[AnneD]

77. That why I get carbon copy checks....

they cost extra and worth every penny. I write it once and that is it. My Mom records so I understand the frustration of those waiting n line, but that system works for her. I get through very quickly-even writing a check.

[Lorentz]

75. Who records the transaction of a debit card in their register? Never heard of that.

It's all on-line. People need to come into the 21st century. Are they a bunch of John McCains who don't use email?

[Trillo]

80. I do. It's part of creating an independent paper record of legal use.

Writing it down helps to insure against a digit getting misplaced or transposed, and provides a paper trail of my own making, among other things

The only way to satisfy me would be if the debit card had a programmable chip in it that was rewritten at the point of use (think of it as an automatic checkbook register), but the writing of that CMOS chip would need to be solely within my own control, and verifiable before the write was allowed (so the security of the debit card becomes more of an issue). Then, I could import the information on it into a spreadsheet at home, saving me even more time.

But it seems the debit card manufacturers and their shills are living in Republican land.

[Codeine]

81. There is a strong Luddite tendency

present in a certain breed of poster here. Most of them have implied, or outright stated, that they like slowing people down and causing them inconvenience. It has to do with being contrairian more than anything else.

[uppityperson]

114. And there are those who like how they do it and don't appreciate being rushed.

Maybe you should go through the self check out since that way you wouldn't have to deal with any people?

[uppityperson]

113. I do since banks make errors and I don't have 24 hr access to them.

They make errors. Not often, but it happens. Most people I know write down debits in their checkbook as they go along to keep track of what amount they have. My kid doesn't, and has run out of money a couple times, thought had more than actually had, because didn't check or keep an accurate record for self. oops.

And snide insults, "technologically more advanced than thou", pshaw.

[LostinVA]

106. Stick it in the wallet and write it in the register later

Otherwise, you're just holding up the line.

[Trillo]

112. No.

Receipts unfortunately get lost in my wallet.

[CoffeeCat]

71. Oh man, you do not want to be...

...behind me in the check-out line. I usually have 30-60 coupons.

I imagine that you and I would not be friends, if we met in the check-out line at Target, and I was ahead of you!

:P

[Triana]

52. Yep. I had that problem about a year ago ....

...wrote 2 checks, went to PetSmart to write a third and it was rejected. I had to use a damn CC to pay for my stuff. They likely have some sort of racket going on - but I never called them or checked on what was going on since I'd JUST written two other checks that day. I figured whatever issues there were were on their end. I've been writing checks since - but haven't tried 3 in a day yet.

[AwakeAtLast]

54. Here's a switerooney for ya

After a pedicure, I handed over my credit/debit card for payment. I was told, "Next time, you pay with cash or check!" After I recovered from the shock (clear sign on the door saying credit/debit accepted) the lady said, "It costs me 5% every time I process!"

Can't write checks, small business people being charged out the booty to accept credit - do they want us carrying around large wads of cash? :shrug:

[tammywammy]

61. I use about 5 checks a year

I pay all my bills online. I never use them in the stores, I always use my debit card.

[grace0418]

76. I barely know where my checkbook is anymore. And I never use my debit card unless I

need to get some cash. I use my credit cards (which get me airline miles or travel points) and pay them off every month. I pay all my bills through my online bank account. It's soooooooooo much easier, my bills are never late anymore (thanks to checks lost in the mail), and my account is so much easier to manage. When I was using my debit card all the time, my bank statement would be page after page after page, which was difficult to wade through.

So they can track my card, so what? They can track me any number of ways if they want to do so.

Still, that's annoying for your sister if she really prefers writing checks. Honestly though, I think it's so much easier to use a credit card and religiously pay it off every month.

[AnneD]

82. Good for you...

what ever works, but I would just as sooner stick my hands in a barrel of snakes. I have heard (and experienced a few) too many horror stories of card companies posting late, engaging in universal default, arbitrarily upping rates etc, etc, etc. Life happens, emergencies happen, checks arrive late, bill do get lost or put in the wrong box. These are just the excuse these folks need to jack you. Besides, I want to be conscious of where my money goes. In one study, they were able to demonstrate that the average consumer spent 12-15% more when using credit cards. That's another reason why they push them. I am an average person-I don't /didn't intend to get into debt, but credit cards make it so easy. It is like opium to me-so I avoid them like the plague.

[grace0418]

84. I know it doesn't work for everyone but it sure works for me. Because I pay

it off every month I don't really care what the interest rates are. They can charge me 50% for all I care, they don't make a dime of interest off me anyway.

And since I also pay my bills online, I have absolute, irrefutable proof of when my electronic payment was sent and posted. They simply can't pull that late posting bullshit on me. Citibank tried once, and failed. What recourse did I have when the company said my snail-mail payment arrived late, even though I sent it in plenty of time? None. The number of times I got charged late fees for no good reason was enough to make me say good-bye to checks forever.

I also make a habit of checking my credit card account online at least every other day. Not only to I catch any potential problems or fraudulent charges, but it also keeps me from overspending because I know exactly how much my balance is at any given time. I do the same with my bank account. I definitely have much better control over my finances now than when I wrote checks. It takes a little discipline but it is totally worth it. Especially when I consider that I will be traveling to New Zealand next year on airline miles built up largely on that one credit card.

[AnneD]

88. You are the exception.....

not the rule. I have done much better on a cash basis. I guess if I had a mind, I could go to New Zealand and pay cash from all the money I save from avoiding interest (I paid cash for our cars, RV home-and we are saving cash for land and home). However, I have already traveled extensively through Europe and India and paid cash for that. Have fun-the world is an interesting place.

[grace0418]

98. Thanks. Europe is great, as is Asia. I definitely want to go back to both continents

Especially Asia. But New Zealand and Australia I've never been to before so that will be new for me. The miles I earned are getting me first class tickets (my first ever!), which I think will be helpful on such a long flight.

On the other topic, I'm definitely not the exception. Maybe not the norm, but not the exception. My husband's whole family does the exact same thing and they all do very well for themselves.

[donco]

83. Cash is king nt

[AnneD]

85. And if you use cash....

you'd be amazed at the discounts you can get.....

[tbyg52]

93. How much, do you find?

And can you give me any tips/moral support on asking for them? ;)

[AnneD]

103. It seems to be.....

that you can get at least 10% . I get them to throw in stuff like free delivery etc which really adds up. It's just good horse trading. It helps to fan out your 20's a bit so they know you aren't jacking around (I only tend to do that after we have started dickering). And I will walk out of the store if they don't come down and do me a deal. You would be amazed at what I call the doorway deals I get from the manager (and that is who I deal with on bigger purchases). If they sense you want it, they won't negotiate-but if there is any doubt, they/ll buckle. Also go at the end of the month. If their sales are low and they aren't making quota-you can negotiate without a problems.

[NNN0LHI]

115. Please don't be afraid to ask for a discount for cash or otherwise

Even large department stores like Sears and other big box stores can and sometimes will discount something if someone asks. Especially if you are purchasing a lot of one item. They may not? But nothing is lost for asking.

I do it all the time myself. The salesperson will usually have to ask a manager if they can discount something.

If they say no you haven't lost anything. If they say yes you win. Its not like you are trying to steal nothing. Just looking for a better price.

And don't forget that if an item goes on sale a month or two after you purchase it most stores will refund the difference on something you have bought if you saved your receipt.

Don

[NNN0LHI]

86. I agree

[L0oniX]

95. Gawd ...people still use checks? Use a debt card and pay bills online from your bank .

Wake up ...it's 2008 ...and stamps are expensive.

[rainbow4321]

100. The issue here is the consumers' right to choose

That choice was taken away from my sister by a corporation despite her proving that there was no identity theft or fraud going on. And then she get further penalized by them telling her that the would not allow her to use her method of payment for **7 days**. All after she called them and answered all their security questions properly.

I wonder if you would be so quick to accept this policy if involved debit cards instead of checks. If your right to choose method of payment was taken away? If it was decided that you could not use your card more than 2 times a day or if all companies/utility providers stopped accepting online payments?

[LeftyMom]

101. It's an inefficient and antiquated method that costs everybody money

because stores pass the costs of rubber checks on to all consumers. Businesses have every right to dictate terms of payment, to say that they take Visa but not Amex, no bills over $20, or no checks not cleared by their third party authorizer. If the terms of the third party authorizer are problematic, than the obvious solution is to choose another method of payment.

Checks are slow, generally antiquated, and most stores of size process them electronically like debits now anyhow. The smart thing to do would be to move into the modern era and start using her debit card, or better yet paper money, instead of complaining that the general store doesn't take payment in beaver pelts anymore.

[AnneD]

104. You are right...

it is the consumers right to choose. And if a businessman is smart, he'll provide the customer with service. That is good business. Of course you try to accommodate the businesses payment terms, but that attitude of my way or the highway is what looses business. And in these times-you need all the business you can get. Someone treats me like that, I go elsewhere.

[intheflow]

96. But of course anyone could steal my debit card

and as long as the purchase is under $20, they don't even have to sign a credit slip. :grr: No one seems to care how often a debit card is used per day--and $20 of untrackable charges can add up very quickly.