I can see that point. I wonder if the people who still use checks are also mailing checks to pay bills. As you said before, all of our information is online these days since most of us use online bill paying. I wonder if you use checks at stores and mail checks for bill payment (therefore not registering for online accounts with credit card companies, utilities, etc.) if that helps to safeguard the information.

FrugalFran wrote: I don't think so, Frank. I just see it as a matter of these people being creatures of habit. I was behind a lady at Walmart yesterday who used a check and the process is so silly because these days you don't even have to sign it. Just hand a blank check to the cashier and she runs it through the machine. I don't see how that provides any added protection.

Well I have heard the argument that you lower your risk of getting your debit/credit card information from being hacked at the store. However, I guess it is possible your bank could get hacked (although more unlikely).

I don't think so, Frank. I just see it as a matter of these people being creatures of habit. I was behind a lady at Walmart yesterday who used a check and the process is so silly because these days you don't even have to sign it. Just hand a blank check to the cashier and she runs it through the machine. I don't see how that provides any added protection.

FrugalFran wrote: I hate checks and I never have my checkbook on me. It always surprises me to see people who still write checks at the grocery store. I can't understand why they don't get with the times, but those people are definitely still out there in abundance.

Is there any additional protection of still using checks? Since your bank information is all online now, I can't really think of any additional protection.

I hate checks and I never have my checkbook on me. It always surprises me to see people who still write checks at the grocery store. I can't understand why they don't get with the times, but those people are definitely still out there in abundance.

Agree with you there. It definitely is a generational thing as well. I would love to hear if there are any 25 and younger who use checks regularly.

In reviewing your post, I have to say many merchants I visit no longer take checks and are tired of getting burned. Long ago I gave up carrying a check book and used electronic payment for all but he city utility bill which requires a check (talk about old school - gads). Probably write fifteen checks a year now. Do notice that many older people still utilize the check book for payment so until the Baby Boomers move along there will be pressure for checks (note age group born 1945 to 1964 - and this group is starting to reach their maximum life span now). This group includes me and I slowly switched to electronic payment and credit cards about two years ago as it took me awhile to trust the system (love it now - don't miss chasing stamps and mailing letters).

I am really surprised to hear this. I live in a big city so that might have something to do with it as well. I am also young (under 30) so that might be playing a role as well.

I have to agree with Wanderer that I don't see checks completely disappearing. Maybe in certain areas they will, but I know where I live most people don't even have a debit card for their bank accounts. My daughter takes lessons at a music center and I asked them if they could automatically draw the payment every month and they said they don't do that because 90% of their customer don't have a debit card and they won't hand over checking account information for billing. Something tells me that ten years from now those people will still be stuck in their ways.

not cash, I was talking about only checks. I have already seen many retailers not accept checks anymore. While there may always be a small market for checks, we can already seeing it disappearing.

Doubt that cash and paper checks will disappear in ten years. There are those hold outs who won't let go of the old way to bank. Then you have the under banked and unbanked who may need paper money orders/bank checks. While many have gravitated away from the old school of banking it will work when the power is out and we don't trust automation.

My guess over the next 10 years, this will become less and less. Eventually you won't be able to pay by check.

FrankN wrote: I honestly hate physically writing checks and sending them through old school mail. I take the risk and do everything I can online.

I have a couple of bills (trash and gas) that can't be paid online and it drives me crazy. I usually have my husband call and pay with a credit card over the phone because I never remember to write and mail the checks.

FrankN wrote: I honestly hate physically writing checks and sending them through old school mail. I take the risk and do everything I can online.

Same here Frank. You know, the Plastc website promotes this card as having everything handy on one device. Well, I already have that. It's called a laptop. There are paydays when I can also pay everything on my smartphone. I get paid and 10 minutes later.......I'm broke. It's FANTASTIC.

I honestly hate physically writing checks and sending them through old school mail. I take the risk and do everything I can online.