Banking Checking Accounts

9 Reasons You Should Still Write a Check (#8 Saves You Money)

Unlock the hidden advantages of sticking to the old-school method of payment.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

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.

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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.

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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 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>

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Try it

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.

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.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

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 <p>See website for details.</p>

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.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

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.

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If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

You want to trace a payment

You're sending a payment through the mail

You're hiring a contractor or landscaper

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

You're making large purchases

You want some time before money is taken from your account

Trending Stories

Your recipient needs money, but not right away

You're afraid of becoming a victim of fraud

You don’t want to pay credit card fees

You want to save a small business from paying credit card fees

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Bottom line

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

Annual Fee

Rewards Rate

Benefits

Drawbacks

Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?

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