[nradov]

That's true, but the notion that we're still using paper checks in 2026 is so crazy. And yet they remain the cheapest way to handle many transactions in the US financial system. Like a lot of small healthcare providers still prefer to receive paper checks from insurance companies because the electronic payment processors take a 3% fee.

[hermanzegerman]

Why won't they just use Bank Transfers? Using Checks or Credit Cards for Payments between companies sounds completely insane and stupid

[nradov]

Yes, it is completely insane and stupid. Direct bank-to-bank transfers require significant administrative work to set up, and may still incur bank fees. For individual consumer accounts most people can use Zelle but it's not universally available.

[Synaesthesia]

Funny how South Africa has a way more sophisticated banking network than the USA.

[hermanzegerman]

I think nearly every other country has instant and free/low-cost bank transfers, without relying on some Apps.

I haven't seen a cheque my entire life, and I'm born in the last century