Why do we still see (edit: in the US) some people (especially the elderly) still pay with checks in stores, even when the amount isn't too large for a debit card?
Here are the disadvantages I can think of, compared to (say) debit cards:
Checkbooks are heavier than debit cards
You can run out of checks
They take much longer to write
They hold up the entire line far longer than normal
It's much easier to make a mistake on them and waste more time fixing it
You leak your account number
You leak your signature
You leak your name, address, and whatever else is on your check
It's much easier to press a couple keys than write down one hundred thirty-five dollars and thirty-six cents.
Here are the advantages I can think of:
- (Nothing)
I assume the only reason stores still accept them is that people still use them, but for the life of me I can't figure that part out. Why does anyone still write checks in stores for amounts that are clearly small enough that you could use a debit card? What is the benefit?