I just got back from Target.  A woman in front of me in line paid with a check.  Although she did the considerate thing and filled out as much of the check as she could before she knew the total, I couldn't help but be annoyed.  It caused me to think about just how bad of an idea checks are in this day and age, and it caused me to sit down and write this.  So, here's why (in most cases) you shouldn't write checks and why merchants shouldn't accept checks:

1. Writing checks is time-consuming and inconsiderate.  Writing a check takes longer than any other method of payment.  Not only does it make your transaction take longer, but it forces the people behind you to have to wait longer.
2. For merchants, unless you have a system that validates checks at the register, you're taking a chance of someone writing you a bad check.  We have a TV show here in Lafayette every Monday night put on by the Lafayette Marshal's office.  They show names and pictures of people the have warrants out for, and a number of those are for writing bad checks.
3. Most, if not all, banks now offer a debit card that can be used where either Visa or Mastercard is accepted, depending on the bank.  Worried about your precious check register?  There's nothing stopping you from still writing down your transactions.  Just don't hold up everyone else in the process, which some people do.
4. Still not convinced?  Well, let me give you one more reason not to write checks.  Whenever you write a check, you're giving someone a piece of paper with all the information they need to clean out your bank account.  Most people's checks have their name and address on them, and they all have the account number and routing number of the person's account.  That's plenty enough information for a thief to go on a shopping spree in your name.

I realize that there are some situations where you have to write a check, but those situations are becoming fewer and farther between.  I am definitely an advocate of the abolition of checks, especially in any situation where you have to wait in line.  People, please stop writing checks.  It's for your convenience, your safety, and for consideration of the next guy.  I hope I gave you guys something to think about.