Is this true in the USA?

Cheques are being phased out in Australia - even now they are very rarely used.
I myself have not written one for at least 3 years
Several posters in different threads have mentioned about them writing cheques - from which I take it they are not yet obsolete in US

Most places here have card readers that are brought to your table, or that you tap at the bar. But if not, does not bother me - I can see in real time on my phone what transactions have taken place.
 
Most of my routine expenses are set up as automatic recurring payments.

I still use a check to pay my rent because the automated service provided by my landlord charges a monthly processing fee of $4.95.

It goes against my grain to pay for the privilege of giving my landlord his money.

Other than that, I use checks to pay my annual state and federal income tax.
 

I have paper checks. My lawn service only accepts cash or checks. I use a check for him. He's not a great record keeper, and does not write receipts, so I want proof I paid him. I use paper checks to pay my property taxes. They charge a hefty fee (like $35.00) to pay with an ATM card or credit card . When I make a donation to a charity, I mail a check. I don't want them to have my credit card number. There are other times I want to pay by check, I just cannot recall all of them at this moment.

Edited to correct spelling error.
 
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MACKTEXAS said:
I have paper checks. My lawn service only accepts cash or checks. I use a check for him. He's not a great record keeper, and does not write receipts, so I want proof I paid him. I use paper checks to pay my property taxes. They charge a hefty fee (like $35.00) to pay with an ATM card or credit card . When I make a donation to a charity, I mail a check. I don't want them to have my credit card number. There are other times I want to pay by check, I just cannot recall all of them at this moment.

Edited to correct spelling error.
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When I make a donation to charity. I use Pay Pal. If you go through Pay Pal the charity shouldn't have your number, should they. I hope not. I haven't had any problems yet. (fingers crossed)
 
Whenever I have a tradesman in I always ask if there is a discount for cash if there isn't I use my card - they all seem to carry a tap machine in their truck/van.

I'd say three out of five will give you something like 10% off for cash, always worth asking.

None of my kids carry any cards, they all use their phone, my bank tells me I can use my phone but I have never been brave enough to set it up, I am used to using a card
 
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Glad that some find the woman in the video funny. I don't. I like Kath and Kim, but this Youtuber doesn't measure up.

I don't remember the last time I wrote a check. Even my property taxes are paid with a credit card so I get the cash back and my income taxes are taken directly out of my bank account. My lawn man charges $25 per week and I leave him an envelope with $25 cash.

As for checks in a restaurant, some of the finer ones still provide a paper check in a booklet and I hand them my card. I've never had an issue, and I find it easier to add the tip later when I can do some calculations rather than having someone stand in front of me with a machine while he/she watches me fumble to add a tip electronically.

I have traveled much of Europe so I do know that the machines are brought to the table but rarely have I seen the ability to add a tip for the waiter. Either Europeans don't tip or it is done via cash. Is that correct?
 
When my sister and husband went to a restaurant, they asked the waiter for the check. He came with a folder, so you either put cash or your credit card in it, and they return the card later. When they got home, they were checking the amount when they discovered the restaurant had charged them twice, with the credit card. They rang them to tell them they had charged twice and they apologised. I wonder if they didn't complain, would the restaurant have given the money back?.
 
Yes. Been happening for years. That's how many card crimes happen because they steal your numbers off it and use it. Not every place has tap to pay or phone pay.

Back when we wrote checks our routing and account numbers were on there and we had to trust them with that, too.

This world is full of security risks. IDC how safe you are.
 
Aunt Bea said:
It seems like offering up your card happens more often in upscale restaurants, hotels, etc…

The risk is still there but it largely depends on the honestly of an individual that has been hired and is working for the business where the card is being used.

The scammers have adapted and now collect information direct from the terminals at gas pumps, self checkouts etc… by attaching a skimming device.

Less risk of being caught and higher volume of transactions.

View attachment 478909

IMO all we can do is continue to adapt and be aware of the possible risks.
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The pic on the right is what all of ours look like and they don't have skimmers. I know cuz we use them and our accounts are fine.
 
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