When to Pay with Personal Checks

How long will it be until there are no more checks written for purchases?  The trend is towards moving away from paper checks and replacing them with the use of a debit card instead.
 

Here are the only things that you will want to use checks for in the near future:

Utilities   

If you are like most families these days, you pay your utilities as close to the due date as possible every month.  That is so that you can keep more of your money longer.  But, this places you at risk because if you are late, and the utility company disconnects you, then you are in trouble.  Writing a check gives you proof that you paid the utilities, even though you still should get a receipt.

Legal Related 

If you are involved in a matter that is of a legal nature (has legal ramifications if you do not make a payment, etc.) then you should pay with a check.  This includes things like alimony or child support (if those are not already paid directly from your payroll check) and any state or federal tax payments.  Nothing beats a cancelled check in your hand when Uncle Sam comes and asks about a payment.

Down Payment on House or Car   

If you are buying a house or a car, you should make the down payment with a check.  In most cases, a personal check is not acceptable for a down payment on a house, but is acceptable on a vehicle purchase (along with proper id).  Although, you might have to wait until the check clears before you can drive away in your new car.

Rent   

This is another situation where you do not want to get caught in having to try to prove that you made a payment.  Always pay with a check and always ask for a receipt, then keep those receipts on file for several years.

Loan Payments to Family or Friends 

If you borrow money from family or friends you should pay them back with checks, not cash.  Being able to prove you made payments will help in case there is ever a discrepancy or disagreement about what you have paid to date.

These are some of the more important ones but there might be other minor transactions that are best paid with checks.  Since checks are still useful for some situations, we might see banks that have debit card-only features along with traditional checking accounts.  It could happen sooner than you think.