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Many Americans probably can’t remember the last time they wrote a check. Nearly 46% of Americans won’t have written a personal check by 2023, and with many major retailers no longer accepting check payments, there’s no doubt that the personal check is slowly dying.

Checks are becoming less popular as faster payment options have become the norm, but some Americans still write checks for certain situations, such as paying bills or making large transactions. However, there are several reasons why paying by check is not recommended and other payment methods should be used instead.

Below are some reasons why you should avoid paying with a personal check.

Check fraud

One of the biggest reasons experts advise consumers to avoid checks is the risk of fraud. If you do pay by check, it’s important to keep a close eye on your bank account and cash your check promptly to prevent mail theft — one of the leading causes of check fraud.

“Today, the shift to digital payments like Zelle and Venmo isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity for your financial security,” said Craig Costigan, CEO of NICE Actimize, a financial fraud solutions company. “These methods are more secure than checks and ensure your payment gets to your friend or family member faster. If you must use a check, it’s best to limit the use of checks to people you know and trust and give the check directly to the recipient.”

Recent studies show that financial fraud is on the rise and people are finding new ways to steal your personal information. That is why it is important to protect your bank account and personal information.

“If possible, try to minimize the use of paper checks,” says Yinglian Xie, CEO and co-founder of Data Visor, a fraud management company. “Digital payments are more secure and efficient, making them a better option in many cases. But if you must use a check, make sure you bank with a reputable institution with strong fraud protection.”

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A long time to process

Unlike digital payments, checks are not processed instantly. Therefore, paying by check can disrupt your bank balance if you are not careful.

“In today’s world, waiting days or weeks for a payment is unacceptable,” said Seton Marshall, CFO at Dash Solutions, a financial services company that provides digital payment solutions for businesses. “The truth is, checks are simply outdated. We have secure, instant digital payment options available. Writing a check is like using a rotary phone in the age of smartphones.”

Blocked checks

In addition, unlike digital payments, payments by check carry the risk of the check being returned.

“Unlike digital payments, where payments can be verified instantly, checks can be bounced, which can lead to fees, bad credit and strained relationships with various service providers,” Marshall said.

Many retailers do not accept checks

Another big reason to avoid check payments is that many major retailers no longer accept check payments. The number of stores that no longer accept checks is growing. The latest chain to join is Target — the largest retailer to no longer accept check payments. Other stores include Whole Foods, Aldi and Old Navy.

According to AARP, stores are no longer accepting checks for a variety of reasons. Longer processing times and the risk of fraud are the main reasons, but since we live in an age where shoppers want a faster checkout experience, retailers don’t want customers to deal with the hassle of writing a check when making a purchase.

Easy to lose

Unlike digital payments, where everything can be checked online or on your phone, paper checks are easy to lose or misplace. Digital transactions, on the other hand, are automatically recorded and easily accessible.

“This makes it significantly easier for consumers and businesses to manage their finances, track expenses and prepare for tax season,” Marshall said. “Both businesses and consumers are realizing the benefits of digital payments: better security, faster processing, improved recordkeeping and generally easier financial management.”

What to use instead of a check

Ultimately, in a technologically advanced and fast-paced world, the concept of writing a paper check has become outdated and inefficient compared to alternative forms of payment. If you want to pay someone back or gift them money, money transfer apps like PayPal and Venmo are easy platforms to get money directly from your checking account.

Additionally, if you have typically relied on personal checks, there are similar options available. Wire transfers, money orders, and cashier’s checks are similar to personal checks, except they are more secure and carry less risk of fraud.

When you need to pay by personal check

While most businesses and consumers no longer want to pay by check at all, there are some instances where paying by check is still acceptable.

“Checks can still make sense in certain situations, like when you need to pay a contractor or someone who doesn’t accept digital payments, especially if you want a paper trail for a large payment,” said Andrew Latham, content director at Super Money. “They’re also useful for businesses that charge a credit card fee.”