Target to Stop Accepting Personal Checks, But Is the Checkbook Era Really Over?

Target stores will stop accepting personal checks after July 15, the retailer has announced. The decision follows similar moves by Aldi and Whole Foods Market, as the usage of personal checks continues to decline.

Citing “extremely low volumes” of customers still writing checks, Target stated that it had “taken several measures to notify guests in advance” about the upcoming change. The retail giant emphasized its commitment to creating a smooth and convenient checkout experience, offering multiple payment options such as credit and debit cards, digital wallets, “buy now, pay later” services, and the Target Circle membership program, which automatically applies deals at checkout.

With nearly 2,000 stores across the United States, Target’s move reflects a broader trend in the retail industry. Although retailers like Walmart, Macy’s, and Kohl’s still accept checks, it is becoming increasingly rare to see customers using checkbooks in stores. According to the Federal Reserve, the number of personal checks written has been steadily decreasing, with about 12 billion checks written in 2021, down from 20 billion in 2015.

As digital payment methods become more prevalent and consumer preferences shift towards faster and more secure transactions, the era of the checkbook appears to be nearing its end. Target’s decision to discontinue the acceptance of personal checks is another step in the ongoing evolution of payment methods in the retail sector.