Checks characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

 Used like money
 Reliable
 Safer than carrying large amounts of money
 Some banks charge fees for using checks, though this is not often the case with many banks, you can find one that offers free checking.
 Using a check in the mail is a more secure way of sending a payment
 There are many places now days that do not accept checks
 Checks can take more time when you are writing them out
 Duplicate checks make tracking payments easier
 There is a one to two day difference in the check being written and the payment being received.
 You checking account will continue to gain interest while the payment waits to be processed.
 Offer an opportunity to express yourself with the designed checks
 Easy record keeping
 If your checkbook is lost or stolen, you can cancel the checks missing and have new checks issued. This way if the checks are used there will be no charge to you.

Debit card characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

 The money is usually removed from the account at the time of sale
 With quick withdrawal, you have to make sure the balance in your account is correct to prevent any overdraft charges
 Balancing your account is necessary before each purchase
 In the case of theft, you have to report your card stolen immediately or you could be held liable for all money used, including if the account goes into the negative
 Once the money is gone from your account, it takes time to prove you did not use it, if you can prove it at all.
 You cannot stop an electronic debit as easily as you can a check. This is because it is an automatic process. Usually the company that the card was used at would have to release the spent amount or reimburse you for it. They will only do this if they are sure that they are not due the money
 There is no lag time from the debit to the payment received
 A debit card can be cause for problems with your account in the instance of pre authorizations or reoccurring payments. This is because when you set that up, if you do not remember, or a problem or improperly charged amount occurs, it will take time to have the money replaced.

With most payment options for bill centers, you can use a check, debit card, or credit card. Some companies will only take a debit card or cash, so in that instance it is good to have a debit card. Therefore, as you weigh out the options you may find that both the checks and debit cards have their benefits and uses with different parts of your financial lives.