While cash back cards and digital wallets dominate today's spending landscape, checks haven't gone extinct. In fact, in some situations, they offer unique advantages.
So, before relegating your checkbook to the back of your desk drawer, consider these scenarios where checks might be your unexpected financial allies.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
You want to trace a payment
A check is a smart money move if you want to create a paper trail for payments if you need a transaction record or want to trace the payment.
For example, you might want to use a check for things such as the down payment for a home, a deposit in a retirement account or investment fund, or to confirm you paid your taxes.
You're sending a payment through the mail
Most experts recommend against sending cash through the mail. A check is a much better option.
A check is more secure; you can stop payment if it's intercepted before getting to your recipient.
You're hiring a contractor or landscaper
Contractors, landscapers, and other service providers usually prefer receiving a check or cash. Some self-employed folks might not even have the option to accept credit card payments.
From your perspective, using a check to pay for these services gives you a paper trail in case of any dispute.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
You're making large purchases
When you make a down payment on a car or house, there's little chance you'll be allowed to pay in cash or use a credit card. A check remains the preferred method of payment.
Just note that in many cases, you might need to get a cashier's check from your bank for these payments rather than writing a personal check.
You want some time before money is taken from your account
Personal checks take time to clear. So, a check can be the way to go if you need a day or two of grace before the money disappears from your account.
This is particularly true if you are mailing a payment, where it will likely take several days or more before the money disappears from your account.
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Your recipient needs money, but not right away
If a family member or friend needs money — but not right away — you can write a check now, and they can hold it for weeks or even months before cashing it at their convenience.
Just be aware that some banks might be wary of cashing a check that’s more than six months old.
You're afraid of becoming a victim of fraud
If you're nervous that your credit card information or identity will be stolen and used for crooked purposes, you might prefer paying with a check.
It's not always easy to keep your private information private, especially when a third party, such as a retailer, is hacked and your credit card information suddenly becomes available to shady folks.
You don’t want to pay credit card fees
Some businesses or organizations will take your credit card payments for a transaction but pass the credit card fee on to you.
Instead, you can write a check to pay for things like rent or taxes to avoid the additional fee.
You want to save a small business from paying credit card fees
Businesses have to pay processing fees for each credit card transaction. That is why some small businesses don’t even accept credit cards.
If you believe in helping out small businesses, paying with a check might help your favorite local business by allowing it to avoid paying a transaction fee on a credit card purchase.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Bottom line
From building trust with small businesses to managing finances with a paper trail, checks remain relevant tools for the savvy spender.
So, compare the top checking accounts and reacquaint yourself with the humble checkbook. You might be surprised at how it can complement your modern financial toolkit.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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