Ask the Readers: Are Checks a Thing of the Past? (Chance to win $20!)

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***Congrats to our winners! ***

Who writes checks anymore? Apparently, enough of us to justify large "No personal checks accepted" signs on restaurant doors, and services that verify that you have funds before your purchase is complete. Many of our small town grocers still take them, no questions asked — but times they are a-changin!

We want to know if you still write checks. If so, do you write them old school (filling out every line?) Maybe you just hand a blank one over to the cashier to be run electronically. Perhaps you've abandoned the practice altogether. Let us know if checks are still a part of your life, and you'll be entered to win one of two $20 Amazon gift cards!

Feel free to link to a blog post, if you're written on this topic! We'll include it in our post upon the conclusion of our giveaway!

Win one of two $20 Amazon gift cards:

We're doing two giveaways — one for random comments, and another one for random tweets.

How to Enter:

  1. Post your answer in the comments below, or
  2. Tweet your answer. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it.

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

  • Contest ends Monday, May 17th at 11:59 pm CST. Winners will be announced after May 17th on the original post and via Twitter. Winners will also be contacted via email and Twitter Direct Message.
  • You can enter both drawings — once by leaving a comment and once by tweeting.
  • Only tweets that contain both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" will be entered. (Otherwise, we won't see it.)

Good luck!

Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


Guest's picture
Tiffany

I did order checks recently... because we moved over a year ago and thought it would be nice to update our address. I almost never write a check. Even my daughters dance studio, which only takes cash or check - I pay with an electronic check through the bank so I can do it online. All of my bills are paid online. Everything else that I buy out I use a debit card or cash for.

Guest's picture
Sue-Ting

I don't really write checks anymore. With billpay from my bank, and automatic/eft/ach payments with others with an online presence, I almost never have to write a check. Billpay from my bank will also mail banks to individuals with an address and I've never had a problem with somebody not getting their check.

Every once in a while, I have to write a check if I don't have enough cash for things such as: girl scout cookies, magazine drives, walkathons, and other fundraisers.

Guest's picture
ACS

For me the only vendor who doesn't take credit card is my hairdresser, so I write her a check when I don't have enough cash to cover the bill. But in my appointment calendar I have to write "Haircut -- BRING CHECKBOOK" since I never carry it with me usually! That's pretty much the only regular check I write -- everything else I pay by credit or cash.

Guest's picture
Sue

I'm a self-employed music teacher; yes, I write and accept cheques. 95% of my students pay me by cheque. I pay cheques monthly to the church where I use space for my lessons. I live in a small town, so many local services only accept cash or cheque. When we have work done on our home, we nearly always pay by cheque. Yes, I fill out each line, and I probably go through 4 books of cheques a year or more.

And to "guest" @ 7:37, I also still handwrite letters :) There will always be people who value the more personal touch; I hope that email will never wholly replace letter writing, and heaven help us as a society if it does!

Guest's picture
Mary T

I write 4 checks per month, because I have 4 bills/businesses that do not accept debit cards or electronic payments. All other purchases and transactions are cash, debit, or electronic. A box of checks lasts a long, long time around here.

Oddly enough, one of the checks I write is to my internet service provider. You would think....

Guest's picture
Jade

I only use checks when I pay a bill by mail or am giving money as a gift (especially if it's a birthday card in the mail.)

Guest's picture
May-Ling

the only time i take out my superhero checkbook and write one is for rent, girl scout cookies and charitable giving. a lot of smaller non-profits have online methods that take a 5% or so surcharge, so i write the check, which only has the 44 cent surcharge to mail. i do fill out every single line - it feels more secure that way for some reason.

Guest's picture
dmk23

I hardly ever used to use checks. That is, until Chase starting charging me $3 for every electronic transfer from my account. I still don't get it. I can write a check for free, but $3 for the electronic transfer. It has to cost them more to handle the checks. Soon I'll be Chase free, so then it won't matter anyway!

Guest's picture
TP

I write one check per month for rent. In January 2011, I plan to use online bill pay with my bank for even that one.

Guest's picture
Lynda

Yep I still hand-write checks! I secretly like it because it makes me feel very grown up =)

[lyndagp at gmail dot com]

Guest's picture
KeyKey Kittenbottom

I pay my rent with a check because there's no other way.
I pay my water bill with a check - I could pay it online but they charge a fee.
I pay any stray bills that come in the mail with checks - usually medical payments they decide they're not going to cover.

Guest's picture
Guest

I only write a check in case of emergency-such as at a doctor's office or someplace similar that doesn't use machines.

Guest's picture
Deborah

With all of the traveling that I do, checks have become rather impractical so I no longer use them. I'm also self-employed so all of my money comes through PayPal and I simply access those funds via debit.

I used to write checks for my rent but now that I have downsized to renting a room rather than a whole apartment, I just pay the landlord in cash. Its one less item that I have to carry around with me.

Guest's picture
Eris

Other than rent, I never use checks. Good riddance, I say.

Guest's picture
tt

I don't think I'll ever stop writing checks but even though I do most of my bill paying online. I write checks out for my monthly HOA, property tax, and for reimbursements to friends/family. Between online bill paying, credit cards, and the occasional check, I hardly ever use cash, or even keep any on me.

Guest's picture
Guest

I rarely use checks.
I use them only as a bargaining tool.
For example, if I have an expensive repair and the service provider takes credit cards as payment, I asked if they would reduced the cost 5% if I write a check. In most cases the answer is yes. Even the medical profession does this.

Processing fees for Credit cards are usually around 7%.
A 5% reduced cost is sometimes worth it to the vendor.

Guest's picture
Uncle Don

I'm working on my 2009 taxes (I know, I know...I've paid I just haven't done the paper work!) and it looks like I wrote about 20 checks all year. it'll be even less this year as I've switched some to "automatic withdrawal" from my checking account already this year.

Guest's picture
lisa

I still write checks for some bills or use my account to pay over the phone as in my car insurance. My bank doesn't do pay on line payments. I do have to mail some off. Otherwise, I use my debit card most of the time.

Guest's picture
Gin

I write a check to my water utility company every month, and small ones to my children's schools for misc field trips and such.

Guest's picture
Allison

I work at a bank, and it's very obvious that checks are a thing of the past for younger generations. The older folks still swear by them and are generally distrustful of debit cards. I write one check a month for rent and everything else is automatically drafted from my account.

Guest's picture
Paul

Just collected the money for Scout summer camp fee. 90% were checks & the other was cash. Checks still work for organizations that don't take credit cards or electronic funds.

Guest's picture
Sonia

I use checks for putting my tithe into the offering basket at church. That's 2 per month. My husband also uses them to pay the barber when he gets his hair cut, which is about every 6 weeks or so. Once in a blue moon I might give someone a personal check. So, that's maybe 35 checks a year then. Thanks to online billpay, the bank sends checks for me to those I need to pay, so I won't count them.

Guest's picture
Beth

Alas, I still use checks to pay rent. I also use checks to deposit money from one account to another at a different branch. You would think these days there would be more convenient ways to do this!

Guest's picture
Cathy C

I write checks for my children to take to school for lunch and other fees. I also write a check for the water bill. And I do internet bank checks also.

Guest's picture
Mary Pruett

Yes, checks have been becoming obselete and fading away. I have written a check in the last two years. There are different ways of paying for your debts, so that the payment is paid for almost instatenously.

Guest's picture
aeko

I pay property taxes with a check, yep, that's it. Everything else is done electronically

Guest's picture
Martha

For most of my bills I pay electronically. I use checks for my house payment. school activities, sam's club (they only accept certain cards), and for maintenance around the house.

Guest's picture
Phyllis Kassum

Yes I still write checks. Granted I do not write alot of checks, but there are certain bills that I pay and certain charities that I donate to by writing a check. I fill out the entire check and keep the amount and date recorded in the check register. I even (gasp) reconcile my bank statement monthy... why? We are to be good stewards of the money and gifts that God has blessed us with. How can I practice stewardship if I do not what I am spending if I just swipe a card and then forget it? By writing out a donation by hand I am conciously thinking about the donation and the people that it will benefit.

Guest's picture
Olivia

Guess I'm a fuddy duddy. Online purchases and gas, are on credit cards. Everything else is either check or cash. We find it keeps us more accountable and on budget.

Guest's picture
Christie

I wish!! I always ask if they take credit cards first. Checks usually take stamps as well, so that adds some to your cost (not much, but who knows how long that will last! Maybe that should be another blog--postage woes.) Checks are handy if you need to pay another person, if they will take one, or to send money through the mail for someone, but I really think that their use will continue to decline. Can we eliminate them entirely? I don't think so, at least not for a while yet. Checks will be with us, with diminishing use, but with us still.

Guest's picture
danielo

I don't even have checks. Debit, cash, and bill-pay through my bank.

Guest's picture
Jamie

I still write checks on occassion, but it's mostly because I don't carry cash. So if the church is taking a one-time donation for something or I buy something from a kid selling door to door, it's a check. Sometimes I have to pay a doctor co-pay before I leave the office or they send a bill and I go ahead and write checks then. I also write checks if I owe a friend for something. I could probably convert 100% to credit card, but I'd have to be willing to carry cash. I don't feel particularly compelled to at this point. I'd guess I write less than 25 checks a year.

Guest's picture
DEBBIE

I pay just about everyone online, including the Avon lady. The only time I write a check is to pay my hairdresser as she prefers this over a bank card which would make her pay a fee. It is so easy to set up to pay online and saves stamps.

Guest's picture
Theresa

I use cash for face-to-face transactions and pay my bills electronically, but I still use checks for kid-related payments. I have 4 kids, and there is always someone who needs money to pay for a field trip, or a book from the book fair, or a yearbook, or SOMETHING. It's much safer to just send a check with them instead of entrusting a wad of cash to the little dears.

Guest's picture
P

Sure, I still write checks. I don't stand there for 5 minutes meticulously writing out a check at the grocery store or drugstore but I pay my rent using checks (no way was I going to give my sleazy landlord my credit card bill or set up "autopay"). I do use online bill pay for utilities but I'll still use the random check to pay Company XX for some one-time handy service.

Guest's picture
Kathleen

I only write two checks a month these days. One for my rent and one for my propane bill. Everything else is paid through my bank's Bill Pay program or through the bills online page. It's definitely faster and so much cheaper than buying checks every two months. I love the convenience factor too!

Guest's picture
Erin

I definitely still write checks...mostly for places that dont accept debit cards. For example, children selling food for a fundraiser for their school, an occassional dinner at church on Wednesday, deposits for mission trips, etc.

Guest's picture
Cathie

Yes, rent, church, school stuff (lunch account and field trips) and Karate. Everything else is paid online or over the phone. But the only time I HATE checks is when the person in line in front of me is using one. Who DOES that anymore!!??

Guest's picture
Holly

I write less than a dozen checks a month. I pay all my monthly bills on line--no stamps, no fuss! I do write a check for my mortgage, but that is it!

I don't even carry my checkbook in my purse. It stays in the kitchen drawer. On the off change, I have to write a check to someone and I'm not prepared to do so, I'm scrambling! I'm such a debt card--swipe and go gal!

Guest's picture
tigerbeat

I live in a smallish city and checks are still very popular here, especially amongst the older folks in front of me at the grocery store, but a lot of other people use them too. Funnily enough, if you check the court docket in the newspaper, most of the charges are for fraudulent checks.

The only way we can pay our mortgage and water bill is by check or cash, so we're still writing checks for those every month.

Guest's picture
Mary

I write at least 18 checks a month, which is just for music lessons for my two kids and me. Most of my other transactions are by online bill-pay or debit card. I tend to write a check for the mortgage too - since my checking account pays interest, that lets me keep the money in our account for just a little bit longer (the account is debited as soon as I make an online payment).

Guest's picture
Billie Kariher-Dyer

Ever since we started using Debit cards for all of our everyday purchases I have found two things. First I always feel poor. I never see any money in my wallet and when I open it there is this gaping maw of emptiness. Second, it seems as if I spend more freely when all I have to do is whip out a piece of plastic.

We recently have gone back to carrying cash and writing checks for most purchases. It feels so good to see those green bills hanging out in my wallet that I want to keep them there as special little friends. I also have to make sure that I don't overspend when I am buying groceries so that I can cover my bill. This may seem like work but I do find myself making less impulsive buys when I am shopping. The checkbook also helps a lot because when I have to write a check because I am out of cash or refuse to use the debit card that $4.00 Latte just does not look worth it.

Taking the time to write a check helps me to make sure the purchase is what I really want. Using debit cards has me spending money much faster than I intend. In order to be a better money manager I intend to continue increasing my use of checks and cash and save my debit card for paying my utility bills on line.

Guest's picture
Mariel

Yes, I write many checks every week, because I own a company, and companies pay mostly with checks, untill I go to the bank and affiliate the account to the internet...

Guest's picture
Mary Beth

I use at least one check per pay period, to tithe to my local church. I also used to use checks to pay my rent, because a new company took over the complex and they didn't have a way to pay online for several months. I also use them whenever I borrow cash, because I hate having any sort of debt hanging over my head.

And I always write them old style :) "One hundred and no/100 dollars ---------------"

To those who "despise" people who use checks in line at a store - I agree if the person doesn't have the check completely filled out except for the total by the time they get to the front of the line. I always pull my debit card out before I get to the front to speed up the process, and there's plenty of time for you to fill out the store name and sign your name before we get there.

Guest's picture
Patsy

I write 1 or 2 checks per month. I bought checks 5 years ago and haven't needed anymore.

Guest's picture
heather

i am guilty of still using the 20th century method of payment! i pay my rent and credit card balance with a check. but writing 2 checks a month is a far cry from the amount i used to write even 5 years ago, so times have definitely changed. what has not, is my refusal to fill out the memo line. if you don't know why i am giving you my money, then give it back to me!

Guest's picture
Molly

I use checks for our utility bill, as the company has messed up automatic bill pay multiple times.

Guest's picture
Guest

Yes, I guess I am still old school somewhat as I like to write checks to pay certain bills, but would never use them in checkout lines at stores -- just too time-consuming.

Guest's picture
Brisy

I don't think I have ever used my checks for anything. I use cash or my debit card for most of my transactions. All my bills are paid electronically. My checkbook is covered in dust somewhere in my house...I see no use for it. Hello, 21st century!!

Guest's picture
NYCChecks

I live in New York City and find that despite some major advances for credit/debit card uses (for isntance, doctor's offices now somtimes take them), I'm still forced to pay rent and make donations with checks. I probably only use a few checks a month but they are all for large bills. Go figure!

Guest's picture
Christi Stagno

I don't carry my checkbook w/ me everyday, only the register so I can keep track of my expenses. I write checks for all of my dr visits as well as my mortgage. I fill in every line and don't mind it at all. :)

Guest's picture
Aurora

Rent still gets done by check, and there's one membership I have that won't take credit cards. For the most part, though, it's credit cards all the way.

Guest's picture
Jess

yes, I write checks frequently. If I need to send money into school with the kids, it's really the best way. I still pay a lot of bills with checks, too. And I do fill them totally out. :)

Guest's picture
Jessica V

My landlord requires me to write a check every month but the rest of my bills are paid electronically :)

Guest's picture
Meredith

Yes, I used checks. For me this is a psychology of money question. While I know there is no difference, I feel more in control of my budget/bills by writing out a check and mailing it than in using automated systems.

Guest's picture
Mark

I still write several checks - probably 5 or 6 a month. I could do most of those electronically if I could be bothered to look into it.

Guest's picture
Rene

I usually carry around a couple of checks. They have come in handy when the Credit/Debit card machine is down at the grocery store.

Guest's picture
Leigh

I write checks for the random service or items (GS Cookies, etc), but I use the Online Bill Pay service from my bank for the regular bills. Even for my rent check I have it set on autopay via the bank. I think I am down to one quarterly bill that is not on autopay. I even pay my friends and family that way when I owe them money. Then I don't have to hunt for an envelope or buy a stamp. I never use my check card. Instead I use my credit card for everything else and pay it off at the end of the month.

Guest's picture
Jessica

I write a check for a student loan that's in my mom's name. I'd pay it online, but it won't allow me a to make payments from a bank account that's not in the loan owner's name. I also pay my chiropractor/doctor bills by check, since I can't pay online, and a couple other random bills that don't have a way for me to pay online, like my life insurance. I don't write more than one or two a month, out of 20 or so payments I make.

Guest's picture
NJGill

I haven't had checks for more than 6 years - I pay my bills using on-line banking, and use a debit card to shop or get cash as needed. The bank sends my landlord the check - I never touch it. And I am nearly old enough to retire!

Guest's picture
middle child

There are still some local companies that don't take electronic payments and/or debit cards, so until they do, checks is it!

Guest's picture
Lindsay

I guess I don't use checks as often...lots of stores I wouldn't even think of using them! Most days, I have my credit and debit cards in my wallet, but not my checkbook. I do need them for rent or to set up direct deposit, but all by other bills are paid via automatic withdrawal.

Guest's picture
Jennifer

I pay almost all of my home bills over the internet or I use a credit card at local places and pay it all when the bill arrives. The reason why I sometimes have to use checks is because I budget pay my utility bills. They have regulations as to how much you can have in your account before they will not accept payments over the internet (usually $100), so when I get to that point I have to send them a check. I don't have the discipline to keep it in savings, and the amount of interest I would receive for this money (usually 1 to 2 dollars), I feel it's better to send a check. Also, my mortgage company charges a surcharge to send the payment over the internet, so I send them a check.

Guest's picture
Chiara

Well... let's say I haven't abandoned checks altogether :) I still use them to pay for our property tax because there's a fee to pay by CC... Most of the time I use credit cards (paying off the balance every month) because we get bonus points and for monthly bills, we use electronic bill pay. We sometimes write checks to individuals too.

Guest's picture
Heidi

I only write checks for things I can't pay electronically (condo fee every month), or for amounts that cannot be paid via credit card but is too large for cash (currently...e.g., wedding photographer, wedding cake baker, wedding officiant, wedding DJ....yes, there is a theme here).

Guest's picture
Nick

I only use checks for my rent, any medical bills, and oddly my mailroom at work for personal packages (they only accept personal check). I hate using checks though, and would either pay cash or credit / debit for EVERYTHING if I could!

Guest's picture
Michelle Murphy

I still use checks but for only a handful of things. Mainly our giving at church, although they do have the ability to accept debit/credit cards. I also use checks for a couple of monthly bills that don't have internet paying capability.

Guest's picture
Dan

I still use checks regularly for large purchases outside of a retail situation or in situations where I'd feel uncomfortable using cash. For example, when a service company comes to my house to clean the air ducts, I write a check for the amount. I also recently used a check for a deposit on a condo for our family vacation. In stores, the debit card rules and my bills are all paid electronically, but checks do come in handy.

Guest's picture
Christopher

Checks do seem to be on their way out. when the clerk almost has to blow the dust off the check scanning machine it is not a good sign. in addition to the inconvenience of checks compared with swiping a card, one could also look at the 'green movement' and realize that more and more people are going to 'paperless' living, especially when it comes to bills. fortunately this includes checks.

Guest's picture
Cato

I write a check for anything for my daughter's school, because I have to - everything else is electronic. I actually get annoyed when I am behind someone at a store checkout who is writing out a check - it takes sooo long - get a debit card!

Guest's picture
Aimee

I write about 2 checks a month - one for rent (because they charge an outrageous fee to do it online) and one for a monthly professional association luncheon. I have paid for the luncheons online in the past, but it requires payment in advance and if something comes up and I can't go, the fee isn't refundable. I could carry cash, but I use cash even less often than I write checks.

I also write checks for taxes once a year.

Guest's picture
Carmen

We still write checks for a few bills - our mortgage (it's just as easy to drive to the bank as mail it), our gas utility (they don't accept online payments), church and sometimes the grocery store.

Guest's picture
Guest

I use checks primarly to pay for medical expenses (copays/deductibles/uninsured portions) so I have documentation for my tax returns.

Guest's picture
Tanha

I mostly write cheques for my child's daycare & occasionally for a bill.

Guest's picture
Matt

I write checks for all of my recurring monthly bills, and I fill out every line. I just don't trust anyone else with my checking account except my wife. I also don't send outgoing checks from my mailbox. I drop them in a postal box on the way to work. I've read about too many check washing schemes.

Guest's picture
MK

I use checks for non-regular charity contributions. It's an instant receipt.

Guest's picture
Marla Y

Yes, I still write a few checks, like to my church and for a few ministries I support on occasion. Thank you for the giveaway.

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Guest's picture
David

I write checks for rent.. that way when I dont have money I can say.." hmm must have got lost in the mail" Cant do bogus online payments ;-)

Guest's picture
dondondon

I write a check to my landlord every month. That's the ONLY check I write.

Guest's picture
Rica

I would say so..if I didn't have to pay rent with a check everything would be automated payments online

Guest's picture

Very occasionally, maybe one or two checks a month. And I always run out of deposit slips.

Guest's picture
Sushi

Direct deposit and paying large amounts of money to people will keep checks in style for awhile.

Guest's picture
Diamond

No, I never write checks. I pay cash or simply use my debit card. Honestly, nothing irritates me more than someone who writes a check the old fashioned way; writing on every line, holding up the line. I mean come on, you KNEW you were gonna write a check, so why didn't you have it ready to just enter the amount?

Guest's picture

I keep an account at a local credit union so I do occasionally use a check that is associated with that account. I've found it much easier though to use my ING account as my main accounts and pay everything I can online. For some bills, however, that just isn't possible so we pay by check.

Guest's picture
Audrey H.

I still use checks to pay bills by snail mail. While some can be paid automatically or online others like Dr bills usually can't be.

Guest's picture
Janice

I still write checks for anything that is not planned out ahead of time, especially for things such as sponsoring friends on retreats or paying back friends that I'm splitting purchased items with.

Guest's picture
Shing

Checks are still used in my system quite a bit. I routinely pay with checks at costco because I always seem to forget cash, but paying with check is a lot better than credit card. Also for day to day expenses i pay with checks for rent and other utility bills.

Guest's picture
Ellen

I still write a check for my rent, one to pay back a (family) loan and here and there for charitable donations / race registrations - and yes, I still write them old school, didn't know there was any other way!

Guest's picture
Ami

I moved to South Dakota a couple years ago and checks are still popular here. I don't use them unless I have to. The majority of my banking is done online and I use a credit card for the majority of my purchases (I pay it in full each month and make $ on rewards points). I still write checks for personal payments to people but that's simply because I never carry cash.

Guest's picture
Lisa

I use online bill pay for 99% of my bills. I write checks for my medical stuff, since it comes out of my hsa, and it's held at the same bank, with the same login info, and you can only do online billpaying out of one account.

Guest's picture
Ryan

I do still write checks, to pay my bills and also to pay myself because my personal bank account is at a different bank than my business account (what can I say, I'm sentimentally attached to my personal account). I've started paying more and more bills online, so I imagine the checkbook will be unused in a few years.

Guest's picture
Tom Balzamo

Still use checks. Sometimes I fill em out sometimes a let te cashier print on it.

Guest's picture
Tessa

Yes, I write a rent check and my fiance and I write checks to each other because I refuse to give up my credit union (60 miles away) because they have a much better interest rate for my checking account than anything I can find where we live. Luckily I don't have to cash very many checks :)

Guest's picture
Heidi Cykana

I write a check for rent, and a check for my kids' school whenever there's an expense there (at least once a month) as they're a small school and don't take credit cards. I will also write checks to some state/city/county agencies, like when I got my son's disabled parking permit after he broke his leg (well, he's 5 so it's really for the adults, but you can't get him out of the car parked in a normal spot).

I'll be moving next week, and my new landlord uses an online payment site, so I will soon not be writing one there. Otherwise, I can't remember the last time I mailed someone a check.

Guest's picture
redace

Still write 1 check for month for rent
BOA however has an option which sends the preset amount in a physical check free. So starting next month might not be writing checks anymore

Guest's picture
Maura

I still use personal checks for money gifts such as birthdays, weddings, Christmas, graduations...

Guest's picture
fairydust

About the only thing I write a check for any more is a magazine subscription (so they can't auto-renew at full price on my credit card the next year). I would be thrilled to get rid of checks altogether, but I don't see that happening just yet.

Guest's picture
Janet Bass

I write checks, filling out every line, to pay student loans to Sallie Mae. Apparently, they use the same account number on all of the loans, and, if you pay them electronically, credit the payments to whatever they feel like, regardless of the amount. I sent in two payments, one for $162 and one for $360, both of which were credited to the $360 account and was hit with late fees and dunning calls and letters on the $162 account. I spoke with customer no-service, who could not explain the reasoning behind such practices. Apparently one account is for publilc funded loans and the other for private funded loans, although they have THE SAME ACCOUNT NUMBER! They wanted me to allow automatic access to my account....I think not.

Guest's picture
LMN

I write 2 checks each month, only because I have to. One, for my rent -- my landlord is one of those guys who has a few rental units, his own business on the side, and so I'm not giving him cash or a debit/credit card -- he's too disorganized. Checks work better for him. The second check I have to write is for electri/water. They do not take ANY e-payments, believe it or not, except Western Union, and then there is a $4.95 extra charge. So a check and stamp are required. Go figure.

Guest's picture
Ricardo

I still write a few checks a month but mainly I pay my bills online. I pay my tithes to church via check, I pay ga power and my rent by check because they charge you a processing fee to pay online.