Are you still toting that faux leather booklet around, filled with your Care Bear checks? The days of that payment method may be numbered. With more and more on-line services offering non-paper ways to pay, why do things the old fashioned way (not to mention irritating postage and the time to mail a bill)? .

It’s time to chuck the ol’ checkbook, and here are the ways to that freedom…

The Debit Card
Virtually everyone has a ATM card (even my old Uncle Howard), why not also give it a debit function?

Styled like a credit card, it can replace the check book for general store purchases. Swipe it at the time of transaction, and the funds are subtracted from your designated account just like you’ve just written a check (without the withering stares of those waiting while you write a check).

A further advantage is now you have record at the bank of any purchase you make, in case of disputes or debit subtraction issues. Just keep track of your debit just like marking it in your check book (in fact, you can keep the check book to do just that!).

Using the Computer
Most goods and services you use (utilities, cable/dish TV, store credit payments, etc.) have the means to log on to a website and pay with a fund transfer (either using your debit card or punching in your check book account numbers). They are protected by passwords and security systems, so read the privacy notices on each.

You can also set up online banking so that you can have checks issued directly from your bank.  And you can set up the recurring payment methods so you have less worries about missing a payment. Also there are fund transfer services (PayPal, etc) that are convenient to use.

Doing the Environment Good
As you move into the paperless payment methods, you become a Junior Al Gore. With less checks written, banks don’t fill the landfill with old paper. You also can track more easily where your money goes, and use virtual records on-line for deductions at tax time. It’s all good.

I wonder if a Junior Al Gore gets a Special Badge?

—

Steve McDonald is a freelance writer and Prosper member since October 2007.