Why is it people still write checks in stores when you can use an ATM card?

Question

Some interesting answers and good points so far. I don't where you bank where they charge you to use your ATM card for purchases. You need a new bank. And yes I know my checking account balance, I check it every day online. I pay all my bills online too so bookkeeping is very simple.

Answer 1

A few potential reasons:
1. They don't actually have the cash to cover their purchase (i.e. getting paid the next day) and they know that a check will take a few days to clear.
2. They think checks are more secure (no pin number, no electronic link to their bank account)
3. They're comfortable using checks and don't want to change their ways.
4. Its easy for them to keep track of (duplicate checks)

Those are just the first few reasons I could think of... :o)

Answer 2

Not everyone has an ATM card. It's not given with every checking account. I know of one bank that actually charges if you use you card as a debit card.

**Who said their bank charges? I'd recommend they change too. I recommend it every single day to the people that I know that do business with that bank.

I'll add this... I've NEVER had a check clear twice, but I have had a debit purchase run through twice. It happened 3 times, as a matter of fact, at a Walmart in this area. My bank alerted me because they noticed the same amount running through on my account to the same store for the exact same amount of money. It went three times because the second and third were run through 7 hours after the original, after bank hours.
The cashier was fired and had to pay restitution, but it me a LOT less eager to use my debit.

Answer 3

Some banks have stupid requirements for getting a atm or a debit cards but they will issue them checks.

Since I shop mostly in town. I use my debit card. Then when I get home I record on the transactions I have made. I found it easier this way. Then balancing a check book. (I made my own checkbook program using Microsoft windows database)

As for the comment about senior citizens. I have seen them use debit cards and they like it.

Answer 4

I got a new card, and the grocery store I use only takes debit, cash or check. I forgot the pin number and had to write a check. Plus sometimes I leave my debit card in another pair of pants and not back in my wallet.....

At least you are not standing there waiting while the person doesn't have any way to pay. THAT is embarrasing and more complicated then writing a check!

Answer 5

Not everybody has an ATM card first of all. Also, a check won't be withdrawn from your account that exact moment as an ATM card would be and sometime people need a day to put money in their account.

Answer 6

I stopped using my debit card for most things because I would keep forgetting to write it down. After a month, those little debits really add up and my bank balance was always off. So, if I pull my checkbook out, I know I'll write it down.

Answer 7

It's easier to keep track of your balance when you use checks.Do you know the balance in your checking account? It's easier to discipline yourself and keep banking account balances accurate with out the use of those very unreliable,always down ATM store or bank machines.

Answer 8

I write checks very rarely. ATM/Debit cards are so much easier. Really, other than grocery stores and for paying bills (utilities, rent, etc.), who else takes checks? Gas stations, liquor stores, etc. don't anymore. Even some places that take checks (Wal Mart, for example) debit the money right from your account using the check somehow, so why bother?

Answer 9

Not everyone has Debit/Check cards - I personally have a friend who chooses not to have one.

Answer 10

I find it easier to balance my checkbook when I don't have a log page of ATm withdraws