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They're still used extensively in the US. I lived 25 years in Australia without a chequebook, but since moving to the US I've written scores of 'em. Mostly, th
by hugh_ 17y ago
They're still used extensively in the US. I lived 25 years in Australia without a chequebook, but since moving to the US I've written scores of 'em.
Mostly, the problem is that the US still lacks a system for transferring money freely between bank accounts. If you want to send someone some money electronically you wind up paying fees at both ends.
(Also, some people use cheques just to be annoying, like the old women who write cheques to pay for their groceries at supermarkets.)
- axod 17y agoI agree. The US banking system is quite far behind.
- malmckay 17y agoI moved to the US in 2006. When I was opening an account with WaMu the teller was very excited about the "online" bill pay service they had just launched. I became very confused when he was demonstrating it, because there was no field for the recipient's account number or sort code. I was even more confused when he setup a payment to me. It turned out that the system just printed out a paper check and mailed it.
- cliff 17y agoThe US has a system. It's called ACH (Automated Clearing House). You can find many banks in the US that offer free transfers between accounts using this system. Examples include ING Direct and USAA. I use this all the time, and never write checks.