On Writing Checks

I've been stewing over something ever since I started my Christmas shopping in earnest. I hate using my credit card, because I lack the discipline to pay it off in a timely manner. I greatly prefer to write checks when making purchases. I'm comfortable keeping a running balance, and I like being able to eyeball that balance as I evaluate which luxury items I should purchase. I've not yet gotten cozy with the notion of a debit card because it's harder for me to see -- while I'm out and about -- how much I can comfortably spend.

When writing a check, though, I'm almost always forced to supply a phone number, since my unpublished phone number is not printed on my checks. I've tried -- unsuccessfully -- to convince retail establishments that they don't really need my number, and that their corporate policy mandating it is an arbitrary marketing initiative and an invasion of my privacy. I've loudly sworn off shopping at some establishments (only later to break down and buy from them, using my credit card...).

I fired off an email to The Consumerist today, seeking advice, or possibly just consolation. The comments thus far have made me feel marginally better about providing 555-1212 when asked for a phone number, but that still feels like a hollow victory. I'd rather that the retailers just own up to the fact that they don't need my phone number, and we can all move on.

I suppose in the long run I'll buckle to the short-term conveniences of a debit card, to the long-term detriment of my bank account...

3 Comments

On Dec 10th, 2005 at 02:42am Jennifer added:

I have found at a lot of places I buy from, they ask for a phone number reguardless of your method of payment.

My trick, I give them my first cell phone number :) Haven't had it since High School. Bless the poor soul who has that number now.

On Dec 11th, 2005 at 07:28pm nicole added:

No WONDER I keep getting all those wrong numbers on my cell phone. ;)

I hate it when retailers ask for my phone number or zipcode. Usually when they ask, "Can I have your phone number?" I just look at them, smile, and say "Nope". Of course, I'm using a credit card (although I do pay my balance off every month!) so they have no reason for that information and have to go without.

On Dec 15th, 2005 at 02:01pm Owen added:

I find that when buying service agreements for large cash purchases (like video game consoles) they require a phone number to index your policy. While I don't know why they can't do this by name, I have adopted the policy of giving them the same made-up phone number in all instances. This keeps everyone happy while not ruffling too many feathers.

I'm still a proponent of declining to provide my zip code or any phone number when simply checking out. Toys R Us is notorious for this. They just don't need it. Sometimes it's easier to give a fake number, but when they ask, "Can I have your zip code?" I politely say, "No." In the early days of these requests, they insisted they couldn't move on with the process without a valid zip code. These days, they've become accustomed to the denial and simply move on with the transaction.

Finally, one question about paying with checks...

Have you no check card? All of the TV commercials spouting their convenience aside, if you are as meticulous with your accounting as with your checkbook, you should be able to use the check card just as well as writing a check, but:

* Save yourself the trouble of restocking your check supply.
* Save yourself the argument about the privacy of your phone and address information.
* Have an easy recourse against services paid for that did not deliver (since the Visa/Mastercard credit liability extends to the debit cards, too).

I use the debit card almost exclusively for payments of all types. The only places left that don't take it are the local utility companies, and my new bank's free starter checks haven't yet run out for that purpose. ;)