Why Americans Still Use Checks (And You Might Have To)

You'll hear people say checks are outdated. And yeah, for everyday stuff they are. But try paying your landlord with Venmo. Or your plumber. Or that old-school daycare lady. Suddenly you need a checkbook.

Here's the deal: Americans write about three billion checks every year. That's not a typo. Three billion. Mostly for rent, utilities, contractors, gifts, and small businesses that don't want to pay credit card fees.

If you're new to banking in America, you need to know a few things. First, your check has your routing number and account number printed right on the bottom. That's fine – it's supposed to be there. But never show that to anyone you don't trust.

Second, write the date, payee, amount in numbers, and amount in words. If the words and numbers don't match, the words win. And always sign it. An unsigned check is just a fancy piece of paper.

Third, mobile check deposit is a lifesaver. Most bank apps let you take a photo of a check and deposit it instantly. No need to find a branch. But keep the physical check for two weeks just in case.

Oh, and one more thing. Some places still charge you for using a card. Small businesses, bodegas, even some utility companies. A check avoids that two or three percent fee. That's why people hang onto them.

Get a small pack of checks when you open your account. You'll only use a few per year, but when you need one, you really need one.