Milestone

Today, I wrote my first ever cheque! Don't get me wrong though. I've written cheques before but today I wrote and issued my first and very own personal cheque. I felt all wierd and shit handing that to the cashier at Kino. To think I've had 2 cheque books gathering dust for a few years. I'm all for technology and at this time and age where credit and debit cards are widely used and internet banking has boomed, paying by cheque seemed so "primitive". Ever since I activated my Internet Banking, I have actually NEVER been inside a bank in person for any of my personal transactions (bills, transfers, payments, purchases..etc) over the past 3+ years.

1. Cheques are not instant. Payment is not instant. Clearance is not instant.
2. Carrying a cheque book around is a hassle.
3. Writing out cheques is a hassle (especially on the spot payments)
4. You have to make an extra trip to the bank to cash or deposit it. (more redundancy)
5. Human mistakes (eg. typos) can cause MORE hassle for both parties when the cheque is bounced or cannot be deposited for whatever reason.

I was applying for this membership card and was suprised that I could ONLY pay by cheque, all for a measly sum of 21 dollars, which seemed ridiculous. I didn't understand why I couldn't pay with cold hard CASH since I was there in person at the store and at the cashier (No, Only the main branch accepts cash payment for the membership application....WHA???), but I played along just for the chance of devirginizing my cheque book (No, I didn't have it with me, I went back the next day). They actually issued me my temp card immediately. Which means I get to begin enjoying my membership priviledges....Immediately. DOH! Isn't that just dumb?