Yes, and until the start of Covid, a check was the only convenient way for me (American) to pay my rent. The other (inconvenient) way I could pay is by exchang

Yes, and until the start of Covid, a check was the only convenient way for me (American) to pay my rent. The other (inconvenient) way I could pay is by exchanging cash for a "money order" at a post office or a retail location known as a "check-cashing store", then giving the money order to the landlord. Giving cash directly to the landlord was (and remains) not an option.