Have you ever stood in line at the grocery store behind someone paying with a paper check? This can be a frustrating experience, especially since it seems many people who still use them don’t bother carrying a pen and have to try their luck getting the store cashier to have a working one.

At times like these, I often wonder why people don’t ask for a top rewards credit card instead. But I digress.

Paper checks have been the standard for non-cash payment methods for many decades, banks still offer them (sometimes for free), and check payments are often the lifeblood of nonprofit donations (at During my former career, I deposited many, many paper checks from donors). ). But it’s 2024 and it’s time to ditch paper checks (except in rare circumstances). Here’s why you should switch to other payment methods.

Check fraud is rampant

This is the number one reason to stop using paper checks – or give them up all together. Paper checks are very easy to steal once sent in the mail. Once criminals receive your check, they can “wash” your ink and reuse it to empty your bank account.

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This problem is very common. According to a report from FinCEN (the U.S. Treasury’s financial crime network), over a six-month period last year, Bank Secrecy Act reports included more than $688 million in transactions related to fraud by check by mail theft.

Yes, there are ways to mitigate your risks, such as using the right type of pen, which is difficult to wash off a written check (black indelible gel ink is recommended). You also shouldn’t send checks from home – and even using a USPS mailbox isn’t recommended due to widespread theft. Instead, take your checks directly to the post office to mail them – or just use another payment method.

Other payment methods are more convenient and rewarding

Remember my mention of rewards credit cards above? If you use one at checkout, not only will you avoid the wrath of your fellow shoppers, but you’ll also earn cash or points on your bread, milk, and toilet paper.

I use a credit card that gives me 6% cash back at supermarkets – and you can do that too! Check out our favorite credit cards for gas and groceries and enjoy cash back on two of the biggest expenses in many Americans’ budgets.

But what if you’re not comfortable with credit cards? I get it: Many people struggle with credit card debt, and having access to a line of credit that you may not be able to repay in a timely manner can be tempting. You still have options.

The trusty debit card is also a convenient choice. Although it doesn’t have as strong fraud protection as credit cards, it’s still a quick way to pay for purchases. Rewards debit cards aren’t uncommon either – look for the best checking accountsand you’ll find several that give cash back or reward points on debit card purchases.

And if you use paper checks to pay your monthly bills, explore your bill payment options with your bank. I use my bank’s online bill pay portal to pay for my dental insurance each month – it couldn’t be simpler. I fill in the amount and choose the date I want it delivered, and my bank cuts the check for me.

When to use paper checks?

Honestly, there aren’t many situations where a paper check is a good idea, but here are a few.

Sometimes you’ll be able to pay for something with a credit or debit card, but if you do, you’ll be charged an additional processing fee. It’s not great, but it’s understandable: Credit processing fees cost between 1.15% and 3.15% of the transaction for merchants.

So if it costs you more to pay with plastic, a check is a solid option. However, I still don’t recommend sending it by mail unless you are sending it directly from the post office.

When you pay someone face to face

You already know that mailing a check can be risky. But if you write a check to give directly to someone, you take that risk out of the equation.

When I was a renter, I needed a pass for street parking. I paid this by check because my other options were cash and money order. Getting a money order would require an extra step, and I don’t tend to keep a lot of cash on hand.

The other time I recently paid by check was when I obtained a home security from my real estate agent’s office after closing on my mortgage. I didn’t have to mail the check and I didn’t have the option to pay with a credit or debit card.

Ultimately, it’s time to phase out paper checks. Alternative payment methods will save you time, reduce your risk of fraud, and maybe even earn you rewards. Consider your options and make the change today.