End of an Era: Target Announces Major Changes in Montana Stores

When was the last time you wrote a check? Think about it. If it wasn't for bills and paying for my kid's school lunch, I would have forgotten how to properly write a check years ago. Back in the days before you could pay for gas with your watch or tap your card on a screen. 25 years ago, the checkbook was always in the same pocket as your wallet.

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It looks like the end of an era has come. As the checkbook is slowly becoming extinct. Granted there are still plenty of boomers and Gen X dishing out checks at the grocery stores. Bottom line, there are just not many people writing checks anymore. This is the reason why Target has announced that they will no longer accept them as payment.

According to NBC News

The retail giant said it was committed to creating an easy and convenient checkout experience — but that due to "extremely low volumes," it would no longer take personal checks starting July 15.

It said it has taken several measures to notify guests in advance of the move. It will still accept cash; digital wallet payments like Apple Pay; SNAP/EBT; buy now, pay later services; and credit and debit cards. 

Target's main competitor, Walmart, will continue to accept checks. In fact, many people rely on Walmart for check cashing and cash advances using checks.

On a personal note: I will never forget the day I got my first checkbook. I had just turned 12 and was operating my own paper route. I remember visiting a bowling alley with friends and forgetting to bring cash. All I had was a checkbook. To this day I am still ashamed of myself for writing a check for $.50 to rent a pair of bowling shoes.