For many people today, it seems checks are becoming more and more a thing of the past. In fact, there are many people who don’t know how to write one. 

With the changing tools in banking and newer tech like digital payment and transfer capabilities, is there any real need for checks anymore?  

Believe it or not, check use is not dead! According to data from the Federal Reserve Board, roughly 11.2 billion checks were used in 2021. There are still people who write and issue checks on a continued basis.  

Most of us use digital payment services that process payments from groceries to paying back a friend for last night’s dinner. Services like Cash app, Venmo, PayPal, and others are great for their convenience and swift transfer capabilities. You don’t need to wait a long time for the money to show up in your account, which is why these apps are becoming increasingly popular. 

But, even with the growing usage of these payment tools, checks are still being used.  

In fact, studies have shown that when people do use checks, they’re using them mainly for larger purchases or payments, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, or a car downpayment, to name a few.  

The good thing is that even though checks aren’t as popular as they used to be, banking tech has continued to update the process of how we interact with and deposit checks. 

Originally, checks would be written to the receiver, physically brought to a teller at the bank, and deposited in person. However, now, with tools such as remote deposit capture, you don’t even have to get off the couch to deposit your check if you ever do receive one. 

This will save time by avoiding a trip to the bank but also money by saving yourself on gas or other transport costs. 

Remote Deposit doesn’t cost anything at all– all you need is a mobile phone or computer, an Internet connection, and an online/mobile banking account. 

Remote Deposit Capture 

• To access it, log into the account and select Remote Deposit.  
• Follow the prompts: 
  • Enter the check amount listed on the check 
  • Take a picture of the front of the check and press “keep picture” 
  • Endorse the back of the check with your signature and anything else requested by the financial institution 
  • Take a picture of the back of the check and press “keep picture”
• Review all the information to ensure it is correct 
• Press Deposit! 

Note: if you’re using a home computer or laptop, scan both sides of the check and upload them. 

WATCH: How to Deposit Checks With Your Phone 

All this to say, checks haven’t disappeared entirely just yet! Even though you choose to go all in on digital payment tools, you may still end up receiving a paper check one day. If you do receive a paper check, skip the trip to the bank and deposit it from home or on the go with remote check deposit.