What to do if you don't have checks?

If you find yourself without personal checks, several convenient and secure alternatives exist for making payments or handling financial transactions.

What to Do If You Don't Have Checks?

Not having physical checks on hand is a common situation, especially with the rise of digital banking and payment methods. Fortunately, there are many reliable ways to pay bills, send money, or complete transactions without needing a checkbook.

Immediate and Traditional Alternatives

When you need a paper payment method quickly, traditional options can bridge the gap.

1. Counter Checks

Counter checks, also known as starter or temporary checks, are provided directly by your bank. You can usually obtain these from a teller or a personal banker at a branch.

• Pros:
  • Quick Access: You can typically get them on the spot, making them ideal for urgent payments.
  • Direct from Your Bank: They are directly linked to your account.
• Cons:
  • Bank Visit Required: You need to physically go to a bank branch during business hours.
  • Limited Quantity: Banks usually provide only a few counter checks at a time.
  • Potential Fees: Some banks may charge a small fee for counter checks, though many offer a few for free.
  • Less Secure: They often lack pre-printed personal details like your address, which can make them less secure or harder for some recipients to process than standard checks.

2. Money Orders

A money order is a secure, pre-paid paper document used for making payments, similar to a check. You purchase a money order for a specific amount, and it's guaranteed by the issuing entity.

• Pros:
  • Guaranteed Funds: Funds are guaranteed by the issuer, making them a trusted payment method, especially for recipients who might be wary of personal checks.
  • No Bank Account Needed: You don't necessarily need a bank account to purchase or cash a money order.
  • Wide Availability: Available at various locations, including post offices, many grocery stores, and some banks.
• Cons:
  • Purchase Fee: There's usually a small fee to purchase a money order.
  • Maximum Amount Limits: Money orders typically have maximum value limits (e.g., $1,000 for USPS money orders). For larger payments, multiple money orders may be needed.
  • In-Person Purchase: Requires an in-person visit to buy.

For more information on money orders, you can visit the U.S. Postal Service website.

Modern and Convenient Solutions

Beyond traditional paper methods, digital solutions offer flexibility and ease.

3. Print and Send Checks Online

Several online services allow you to print and send checks online. These platforms typically let you enter recipient and payment details, and they will print and mail a physical check on your behalf.

• Pros:
  • Convenience: You can send checks from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for a physical checkbook, stamps, or trips to the post office.
  • Automated Payments: Useful for recurring payments like rent, as some services allow scheduling.
  • Professional Appearance: Checks are often printed with a professional look.
• Cons:
  • Service Fees: These services usually charge a fee per check or a monthly subscription.
  • Delivery Time: The check still needs to be mailed, so delivery isn't instant.
  • Trust and Security: You need to trust the third-party service with your financial information.

4. Online Bill Pay Through Your Bank

Most banks offer an online bill pay service through their website or mobile app. This allows you to pay companies and even individuals directly from your checking account.

• Pros:
  • Free: Often a free service provided by your bank.
  • Scheduled Payments: You can set up one-time or recurring payments.
  • Convenient: Manage all your payments from one secure online portal.
  • Bank Handles Checks: If a payee doesn't accept electronic payments, your bank will often print and mail a physical check for you.
• Cons:
  • Setup Time: May require initial setup for new payees.
  • Processing Time: Electronic payments are usually fast, but mailed checks can take several business days to arrive.

5. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT/ACH)

Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs), often done via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, allow direct movement of money between bank accounts. This is common for direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and transfers between your own accounts at different banks.

• Pros:
  • Fast and Efficient: Money moves directly between accounts, often within 1-3 business days.
  • Secure: Highly secure due to bank-level encryption and protocols.
  • No Fees: Usually free for consumers for standard transfers.
• Cons:
  • Requires Account Information: You need the recipient's bank account and routing numbers.
  • Not Always Available: Not all individuals or small businesses are set up to receive direct ACH payments.

6. Digital Payment Apps

Apps like Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App allow instant or near-instant money transfers directly between individuals using just a phone number or email address. Some businesses also accept payments via these platforms.

• Pros:
  • Instant or Near-Instant Transfers: Ideal for urgent payments to friends, family, or small businesses that accept them.
  • Convenient: Send money from your phone anytime, anywhere.
• Cons:
  • Not Universally Accepted: Many larger businesses or landlords may not accept these apps for bill payments.
  • Transaction Limits: May have daily or weekly sending limits.
  • Fees for Certain Transactions: Some apps charge fees for instant transfers from debit cards or for certain business transactions.

7. Cashier's Check

A cashier's check is similar to a money order but is issued by a bank and drawn directly from the bank's own funds, not your personal account. They are typically used for large, high-value transactions like down payments on a house or car, where guaranteed funds are essential.

• Pros:
  • Guaranteed Funds: Highly secure and universally accepted as the funds are guaranteed by the issuing bank.
  • Higher Limits: Can be issued for much larger amounts than money orders.
• Cons:
  • Requires Bank Visit: Must be purchased in person at a bank.
  • Fees: Banks typically charge a fee for cashier's checks.

Summary of Check Alternatives

By understanding these alternatives, you can confidently manage your finances even without a physical checkbook.