Chexsystems

The problem with being on the ChexSystems list is that it makes it hard (if not impossible) for you to open a new checking account for several years. But what if checking accounts were not as useful as they used to be? If that were the case, being on ChexSystems might not be so bad after all. Here’s news about a trend that may make you rethink whether you really need a new checking account.

There’s a great article in the Los Angeles Times, which discusses a recent trend among large grocery stores — the refusal to accept personal checks for purchases. One large grocery chain in California (Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market) does not take personal checks at any of its 70 stores.

Another large chain (Whole Foods) is also considering a similar ban.

Here’s why they are doing it. Processing personal checks is time-consuming and expensive (and everyone is trying to reduce expenses in this economy!). Also, most people can easily pay for their groceries with cash, debit cards or credit cards. The use of credit or debit cards also provides both the customer and the retailer with some additional payment protections which are not available when checks are used.

So what do you do if you don’t have a bank account or a credit card? Simple — there are dozens of great prepaid debit card accounts available which allow you to buy things using a debit card at any retailer that accepts Visa or MasterCard.

If the checkbook becomes obsolete, then people who can’t open a checking account are in a great position — simply open a prepaid debit card account and use your shiny new Visa or MasterCard debit card to make purchases. For merchants that still accept checks (such as your landlord, or your utility company), these debit card accounts allow you to write checks online (using an online bill pay service), so you have the best of both worlds