Weird banking question

33girl · #1 02-12-2007, 01:46 PM

Do any of you have a checking account where you have a debit card only and can't write actual physical checks?

Even if you do have them there (this is for the younger set) do you actually use the checks at all? Or do you look at them like "WTF are these things?"

Thanks

KSig RC · #2 02-12-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

Do any of you have a checking account where you have a debit card only and can't write actual physical checks?

Even if you do have them there (this is for the younger set) do you actually use the checks at all? Or do you look at them like "WTF are these things?"

Thanks

I haven't writen a check in probably three years. They have an address on them that I haven't lived at since 2003 . . . in fact, I'm not really sure where my checkbook is located (in a Ty Webb moment).

AlphaFrog · #3 02-12-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSig RC

I haven't writen a check in probably three years. They have an address on them that I haven't lived at since 2003 . . . in fact, I'm not really sure where my checkbook is located (in a Ty Webb moment).

That's about how I am. If I absolutely need a check, I either get a money order, or I have my mom write one, and I e-pay her the money through my bank (for free) - why waste $$ on checks when my bank will send them for free....

KatieKate1244 · #4 02-12-2007, 02:08 PM

I still occasionally use checks. I use them if I'm making a big purchase, like textbooks. When I left for college, my dad told me to do that, because checks leave a better paper trail than using a debit card. I don't know if that's true or not, it made sense at the time. The last time I bought checks was maybe 2 years ago, and I've only gone through one book.

I'm going ot keep my checkbook with me. I seem to demagnitize my damn debit card every other 6 months or so, and that 2-3 week shipping time is brutal.

jubilance1922 · #5 02-12-2007, 02:14 PM

I only use checks for big things, or things that I need a paper trail for, like rent. Other than that, it goes on the debit card.

bcdphie · #6 02-12-2007, 02:19 PM

I still use cheques for paying things like rent, alumnae dues, dance class fees. I also need void cheques for direct deposit at work and monthly car insurance payments. Although I don't use them like I use to, i.e. for paying monthly bills - that's now all done online.

RoyalEmpress33 · #7 02-12-2007, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

Do any of you have a checking account where you have a debit card only and can't write actual physical checks?

Even if you do have them there (this is for the younger set) do you actually use the checks at all? Or do you look at them like "WTF are these things?"

Thanks

Yes, my checkings account is set up like this. I have a debit card, and I have checks as well, but because my account is set up the way it is, I'm not allowed to use the checks and I can't order them either. I have the Wachovia free student checking account.

LPIDelta · #8 02-12-2007, 04:15 PM

I hate it when I have to go look for my checkbook because I can never find it. The last time was a check to the US Department of State for a passport. Otherwise I probably write about 3 checks a year.

Not to go too far off topic, does anyone else's bank offer Deposit @ Home where you scan the checks you need to deposit yourself and then send the scan to the bank? I was a little weirded out by it at first but I love it now. It has revolutionized my banking because now I do not need deposit slips or envelopes, nor do I have to wait for the mail to deliver my check to the bank for deposit. It's available the next day.

33girl · #9 02-12-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalEmpress33

Yes, my checkings account is set up like this. I have a debit card, and I have checks as well, but because my account is set up the way it is, I'm not allowed to use the checks and I can't order them either. I have the Wachovia free student checking account.

That's exactly what I wanted to know - if this sort of thing exists. Thanks!! By the way, you have a cool number in your name.

Thanks everyone else too for their input.

Tom Earp · #10 02-13-2007, 05:17 PM

Some times it is nice to have a paper trail espc. for IRS!

They demand it. Been there 7 times and it sucks!

KSig RC · #11 02-13-2007, 05:39 PM

For everyone talking about a "paper trail" . . . I don't get where the paper trail is missing from debit transactions. Doesn't a receipt carry just as much weight as a canceled check? Can't the bank lose or forget to send a canceled check just as an electronic copy?

I get the rent issue if your landlord is a douche, but I don't mind direct withdrawal there either (again, for the recording purposes above) - am I naive/too trusting/too Gen Y here?

Tom Earp · #12 02-13-2007, 05:44 PM

Ah, only if there is not a break down on the computor link?

Oh, tell me it does not happen?

where do your checks go when the are written?

Not in your possesion, but stored in caves that we are paying for.

Drolefille · #13 02-13-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSig RC

For everyone talking about a "paper trail" . . . I don't get where the paper trail is missing from debit transactions. Doesn't a receipt carry just as much weight as a canceled check? Can't the bank lose or forget to send a canceled check just as an electronic copy?

I get the rent issue if your landlord is a douche, but I don't mind direct withdrawal there either (again, for the recording purposes above) - am I naive/too trusting/too Gen Y here?

Since all of your checks are processed electronically, there isn't much more of a paper trail. They're all scanned onto servers and usually you don't get "cancelled" checks back, you get images of the check. After the processing, there's just as much proof of a check as there is of the debit.

Server problems happen, but they are backed up offsite daily. There's a limit to the amount of data that can be lost barring a big catastrophe. And even then the offsite storage is supposed to be a sufficient distance away to prevent that.

#14 02-13-2007, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

Do any of you have a checking account where you have a debit card only and can't write actual physical checks?

Even if you do have them there (this is for the younger set) do you actually use the checks at all? Or do you look at them like "WTF are these things?"

Thanks

I do. I have two accts one with check writing and the other without. The one without is for direct deposit of alimony and child support purposes only so my ex husband could not have my other acct info and also so i won't comingle it with my own earnings.

With my checking acct with checks i only use checks on places that dont use electronic means of payment. I pretty much bank and pay bills online or debit it.