Alternatives to checks include digital payments like debit/credit cards, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and P2P apps (Venmo, Zelle) for instant transfers; direct bank options like ACH/eChecks and wire transfers for bill payments; and secure offline methods like money orders, cashier's checks, and cash, offering speed, security, and convenience over traditional paper checks.
A cashier's check and a money order are both forms of payment that can be used instead of cash or personal checks, but that's where the comparisons stop. Cashier's checks are issued by a bank, are available in higher dollar amounts, are considered more secure than money orders, and have higher fees than money orders.
Most stores big stores at Customer service can do a money order or cashier's check. The bank will certainly laugh at you if you bring in a napkin.
The substitute check is a paper reproduction of the original check that must (1) contain an image of the front and back of the original check; (2) bear a MICR line containing all the information appearing on the MICR line of the original check; (3) conform, in paper stock, dimension, and otherwise, with generally ...
While checks have long been a staple of financial transactions, modern alternatives offer faster, safer, and more convenient ways to pay. Debit and credit cards, digital wallets, online payment processors, and ACH transfers each provide unique advantages that can simplify personal and business finances.
As long as you have the bank details, account details, your signature, and the amount to be transferred, you can legally use anything as a cheque, providing that object is in itself legal.
If you've ever sat down to pay bills only to discover you've run out of checks, you may be relieved to know you can use counter checks. Counter checks are temporary checks printed at your bank that can help you make payments in a pinch.
Most banks will give you a set of about 10 "temporary checks" when you open a new account, so just go ask a branch if you can have that. Then have some checks printed online for $10 or $15 for future use, there's various good companies out there like Designer Checks and Vistaprint.
Money orders can be used in many scenarios, from rent payments to utility bills to sending money internationally. While a money order resembles a traditional check, it is a prepaid payment method. Due to this, money orders can't bounce like checks.
A substitute check (also called an Image Replacement Document or IRD) is a negotiable instrument that is a digital reproduction of an original paper check. As a negotiable payment instrument in the United States, a substitute check maintains the status of a "legal check" in lieu of the original paper check.
Paying online is faster and cheaper than writing a check. Businesses and utilities encourage online and automatic payments, which increase the availability and use of such options. Banks like electronic checking because there is a lower risk of fraud.
Users can write a check, customize and print it using OnlineCheckWriter.com. The platform provides a payroll check printing tool that allows businesses to efficiently handle payroll checks, eliminating the need for manual issuance or a check printing service.
Alternatives to Paper Checks
You can pay with a debit card at most businesses, use your debit card for online purchases or payments, or link the card to a peer-to-peer payment account. You can also use your debit card to get cash for a purchase at your bank or an ATM.
You can use cursive or print handwriting to complete a check — as long as it's legible.
You can use money orders in instances where you may not want to use a personal check, which includes personal information like address, T/R number and account number. Money orders work opposite of checks – you exchange money (typically cash) for a piece of paper that represents that specific amount of money.
FAQs about Payment Methods
The top 8 payment methods are credit cards, debit cards, Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, cash, paper checks, eChecks, digital payments, and money orders.
On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury discontinued federally issued paper checks and is moving to digital payments.
A cashier's check is guaranteed by the bank, and the check amount is withdrawn from the bank's funds. By contrast, a certified check is guaranteed by the customer and withdrawn from that person's account. Cashier's checks are more secure and provide more privacy, since they only include the bank's details on them.
There are several digital alternatives to paper checks, including:
The easiest way to get your checks, either as a new order or as a reorder, is by visiting WalmartChecks.com. There you can look through all the types of checks we have. For business clients, we offer high-security checks, manual checks and computer checks.
Also known as blank checks, counter checks are essentially temporary checks that you can request at your bank. Unlike pre-printed checks with your name and address, counter checks are typically blank, allowing you to fill in details like date, payee and amount.