• Money
    • Budget
    • Shop
    • Travel
    • Stories
  • Career
    • Advice
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Freelance
    • Small Business
  • Investing
    • General
    • IRA + 401K
    • Stocks + Bonds
    • Retirement Planning
    • Estate
  • The Basics
    • Student Loans
    • Credit Cards
    • Debt
    • Taxes
    • More
  1. Home
  2. The Basics
  3. Saving
  4. What Are the Advantages of Using Checks?

What Are the Advantages of Using Checks?

By: Hazel Morgan
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

Checks may be old-fashioned, but they are convenient and easy to use. While not every shop now takes them, they're handy for paying bills and for keeping a physical record of transactions.

...
Get checking accounts through your local bank or credit union

Security

It's safer to send checks in the mail than cash. They can be wrapped in paper and obscured, and further hidden by using opaque safety envelopes. They are also less of a draw for thieves than cash.

Records

As most people write checks, they tend to record it in the register. With credit or debit card purchases, they may not take a note. Duplicate checks also help with record-keeping.

Video of the Day

Proof

It's quick and easy to prove that a payment was made with checks. You need only show the canceled check or image from an online banking page. After cashing the check, there's nothing else to pay, unlike credit cards that quickly grow a balance.

Timing

Checks act like cash in the store, but in many cases take a day or two to be cashed. However, some vendors do present the checks like a debit card, meaning they clear almost immediately.

Issues

Many places, including online vendors, do not accept checks. Writing checks is a little more time-consuming than swiping a debit card. While some checking accounts charge fees, some banks (like Chase) offer free checking accounts.

Show Comments

Related Articles

How to Dispose of Checks

How to Dispose of Checks

The Basics
Saving
By: Alicia Bodine
Cash Vs. Check

Cash Vs. Check

The Basics
Saving
By: Aurelio Locsin

PARTNER CONTENT

7 Habits of Highly (Financially) Effective People

7 Habits of Highly (Financially) Effective People

The Alternatives for Cashing Checks if My Bank Account Is Frozen

The Alternatives for Cashing Checks if My Bank Account Is Frozen

The Basics
Saving
By: Lynda Moultry Belcher
Can I Deposit a Check That Won't Post Until Tomorrow?

Can I Deposit a Check That Won't Post Until Tomorrow?

The Basics
Saving
By: Elias Westnedge
How to Cash Old Travelers Checks

How to Cash Old Travelers Checks

The Basics
Saving
By: Beth Rifkin

Get Weekly Savings& Finance Tips.

  • Money
  • Career
  • Investing
  • The Basics
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
© 2019 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get Weekly Savings
& Finance Tips.

Money Made Easier.

Please enter a valid email.