why do people still write checks?

Question

ALL banks have and provide debit cards...
yet the person in front of me in line INSISTS on writing a check...
and they don't even BEGIN the freakin check until every single item(all 420)of them is scanned...you can fill out the date,the store,memo line and your signature at the very least while your waiting...WHY DO PEOPLE STILL WRITE CHECKS???
please someone give me a good reason...and I think they should have a CHECK WRITING ONLY LINE,SO ALL THE CHECK WRITERS CAN STAND BEHIND EACH OTHER TO SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE !!!

Answer 1

Because there are still many people who do not wish to deviate from the ways they have always known - such as my 85 year old grandfather. My 59 year old mother just got a cell phone this year - she keeps it turned off all the time though. Change is very difficult for most people to make and many people who grew up in very difficult times see the little "plastic card" as a major taboo and easy way to get into trouble - not realizing that it is directly from their checking account. Also, many young people still should write checks so they can learn the balancing system and have duplicate checks so they can keep a running record of where their funds are going, especially if they are still living at home. This allows them to begin to understand how fast money can go and how it can get wasted real easy on a whole lot of nothing. So, maybe they should, like so many other things in life, just have a line for those who only want to swipe - and let the rest of us make our choice as we check out.

Answer 2

We live in a age where people just don't trust one another. Giving out their debit card number is too personal for them and dangerous. We all have bills to pay and these people do not feel comfortable giving out their card number to these companies. I mean there are some people that don't even have bank accounts for the same reason. Yes writing checks does take time and it always has since the invention of checks. People feel more comfortable only using their checks because it is so easy to just keep withdrawling money with the debit card and not keeping track. Oh, I will write it in later and then there is always the need to get the receipt and most importantly not losing it. The check doesn't take any longer then it does to slide your card across, wait for the cashier to open the door and give you a receipt. Also, writing a check means not getting the third degree from a computer. Do you want it in English or Spanish?, Which account is this coming out of?, Is this amount ok for you to pay?, Do you want any extra cash? And most importantly you have to enter your pin and pray that the person doesn't start to day dream and forget to answer the questions and have to start all over. Yes, Yes things are difficult but I would much rather write out my check and hand it to the cashier. Something to think about anyway.

Answer 3

I write checks because too many of my friends (of all ages) who use debit cards have overdrawn accounts as it is too difficult to keep track of all the purchases. My check book may be archaic to you, but it works well, I am never overdrawn or even near to it, I think twice before any purchase and an impulse temptation can be quieted easier, and I have a record of everything I spend and why instead of trying to remember how many times I have used the card - all in one neat little place. My hubby also uses the checkbook, so we can keep track of what each has done much easier. My son (33) and daughter in law (26) use a card and get overdrawn all the time, while my daughter (27) and son in law (27) use a checkbook and have no problems with their money tracking. It has nothing to do with age or knowledge of technology, but of budgeting preferences.
Oh, and I do NOT wait until the stuff is scanned, the only thing left on my check to write is the amount by the time the clerk is finished. It takes just as long for your debit card to clear as it does my check (sometimes longer - I have been behind both cards and checks in lines, and some people's cards are overdrawn so they can not use the card anyway - rejected - and end up charging it - and that takes a lot longer going through all the rejection process and fumbling for another card.)
I actually do have a debit card, but have not ever used it as I don't feel the need to do so. It is for emergency only - and somehow I have never yet found an emergency worth using the card for!!! (that is called self-discipline).

I have a cell phone, use the internet a lot, am up on the latest technology, but just do not feel the need for another way to too easily use my money - thanks all the same. You are welcome to use yours though, and I would even let you in front of me if you had less items regardless of your method of payment. (I do it all the time). Don't be in such a hurry, patience is a virtue and society needs more of it.

Answer 4

I noticed some people just don't like to use the check card and that is ok with me. I do notice it more among the people who are at least 60-65 or older. They were raised in a generation that is all they had. Noting wrong with it. Just be patient I think cause I may need to write a check sometime say if my card can't be read by the machine. It's all good. :)

Answer 5

By writing a check I have a running record of what is spent. When there is more than one person using the same bank account you can loose track of how much money is in the account real fast. Sorry I don't feel like paying expensive overdraft charges!! Check writing only line sounds OK to me.

Answer 6

Well, for one reason some people fear technology. Identity theft and debt/visa fraud is a billion dollar industry these days.

Let's reverse this for a moment shall we? Ever been in line behind someone paying for a freaking candy bar with their credit card? I have!

I'm no fan of that or people writing checks, or people who insist on paying with whackloads of change. Chalk it up to our ever changing society and keep an eye out for someone pulling out their checkbook, a granny with a VERY heavy purse or someone whipping out a credit card with only a few items in hand.

Oh and have a nice day, will that be paper or plastic? (Pun intended). :))

Answer 7

Some places do not take debit cards or electronic transactions.

An example would be a landlord renting an apartment. Most prefer cheques because they don't want to pay the fee for accepting debit card transactions or electronic transactions over the Internet.

Answer 8

There are various reasons: Like their religion- some believe that credit or debit cards are the mark of the devil. Like their habit of not wanting to change or liking change of any kind. Like they might have a mental illness and it's all or what they want to do. And last they just want to, it's the way the world works, in weird ways for some people.

Answer 9

Several reasons. Probably the person is just did whatever he/she used to do, do not want to change. They set in their ways. They do not want to change - ain't fix if not broke.

Probably they have extra checks unused. This happens to me. The back give me 2 free check books. So, I just want to use them.

Some bank charge you on using debit. Last time my bank limit the number of debit I can have.

Answer 10

Not everybody is comfortable with technology.

Cheques allow you to have proof of payment and amount from the bank. A cancelled cheque is better evidence in court than a statement you print off the 'net from your bank.