Why do people write checks at the store?

Question

If you have a checking account that means you have a debit card. If you have a debit card, why would you write checks?

OK, if you will be charged a fee for using your debit card, I can understand that. But at the grocery store or the drug store?

If you think you've got 2-3 days before your check clears, you're probably wrong, especially since the passing of Check 21: http://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/truncation/faqs.htm.

Answer 1

I have no idea. The majority of the people I see writing checks tend to be older - like 45+. I know my aunts all use checks instead of debit cards - I guess it makes them feel safer.

Answer 2

Some people don't trust debit cards. Some people like the fact that the returned check (or bank scan of a check) is also a receipt! Many older folks just grew up using checks and are totally comfortable with them.

Besides, if an error is made on the debit card transaction and you are charged too much, or twice, it's a battle between you and the bank. With a check, it's easy. Break out your copy and there is your proof.

Answer 3

Not everyone has a debit card it is not mandatory to get one. Especially the elderly people. Working for an income tax company many people would rather write a cheque some don't even have credit cards. You can also put a stop payment on a cheque if need be,once debit has been used the money is gone.

Answer 4

Not every person who has a checking account owns a debit card. And not everyone who owns a debit card can use it safely (remember to deduct it from their account) and it gets them into more trouble than just writing the checks...

Answer 5

Probably because they can keep better track of the money they're spending with a check book than a debit card. All the same, it's a waste of time. I've worked as a cashier before and it's annoying as heck when someone whips out their checkbook. You can keep a ledger in your pocket to tally your transactions and that's just as good a way to keep track of your spending as is writing everything down in your checkbook.

Answer 6

To keep track of the balance in your account. By using a check register you know your balance at all times. I think when you use a debit card the transactions are not always deducted on a daily basis and tend to be forgotten.

Answer 7

I think it's an age thing. They don't want to deal with having to remember a PIN. They don't understand that it's quicker and easier and there IS a paper trail - it's called a receipt. I can't even remember how many years it's been since I've used a check in a store - at least 5? Maybe more?

Answer 8

because some people are scared that they will lose track of what they spend if they get use to swiping their card. but having a debit card on for a checking account is a choice maybe they didnt chose to have one

Answer 9

My guess is that some couples only have one debit card, and the person you see at the store is the unlucky one who's not holding the card.

Answer 10

Thats a good question. I wrote checks up until a few months ago. Out of habit I suppose, plus with online banking there's an actual copy of the check I can see. So if there was a problem with the transaction, my hard copy check was proof of what I agreed to pay.