Target to Stop Accepting Personal Checks, But Is the Checkbook Era Really Over?
Target won’t accept personal checks from July 15, following Aldi and Whole Foods Market in ditching the payment method.


Target stores will stop accepting personal checks after July 15, the retailer has announced. In a statement confirming its decision, Target cited “extremely low volumes” of customers who still write checks, and said it had “taken several measures to notify guests in advance” about the no-checks policy.
The retail giant also highlighted its commitment to creating an easy and convenient checkout experience for customers, with credit and debit cards, “buy now, pay later” services and the Target Circle membership program, which applies deals automatically at checkout.
Target, which has almost 2000 stores across the U.S., follows in the footsteps of Aldi and Whole Foods Market in officially ditching checks. And although they’re still accepted by retailers including Walmart, Macy’s and Kohl’s, it’s now increasingly unlikely you’ll see anyone pulling out their checkbook in store.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Who’s still writing personal checks?
According to data from YouGov Profiles, only 9% of Americans said they still use checks when making a purchase in-store. Cash is the most commonly used form of payment, with 67% of those surveyed saying they prefer handing over bills and coins.
Debit cards (42% using chip and 35% swipe) and credit cards (35% using chip and 26% swipe) are the next most popular methods, while contactless payments are closing in, with 17% usage.
However, a February 2024 survey from GOBankingRates found that while writing checks may be less popular than it used to be, 54% of Americans still wrote a check in the past year. According to the data, 15% of Americans wrote a few checks a month, 17% wrote less than six checks, 17% wrote a check once a month and 4% wrote more than 12 checks.
Unsurprisingly, the survey results highlighted the link between age and use of checks. Many Americans in the 55 and over age group said they still write a few checks a month — with 15% in the 55 to 64 age group and 22% in the 65+ age group reporting this.
In contrast, 46% of those ages 18 to 24 hadn’t written a check in the past year, along with 51% of those aged 25 to 34, 51% of those aged 35 to 44 and 50% of those 45 to 54.
Making the case for personal checks
According to Fifth Third Bank, “certain payments are likely to be better suited to checks over digital payment alternatives, especially for people with spotty internet access.”
The bank’s website states: “The most common transactions involving checks are for rent, utilities, taxes and other payments to the government, payments to contractors, gifts to charities, payments for healthcare, and education expenses such as tuition payments.”
“Many people also still use checks instead of cash to give monetary gifts,” it adds. “It’s a more secure form of payment, especially if mailing a card.”
That’s reassuring for kids. While grandparents may no longer be able to use their checkbooks in their local grocery store, at the very least, they’re still handy for sending birthday money in the mail.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Charlotte comes to Kiplinger with more than two decades of experience in print and online journalism in the UK, with a focus on consumer rights, personal finance and law. She has worked for leading consumer rights organisation Which? and the UK government, and studied modern and medieval languages at the University of Cambridge.
-
I’m Over 65 and Itemize: Can I Claim the New $6,000 ‘Senior Bonus’ Tax Deduction?
Tax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit.
-
Alphabet Stock Pops After Google Antitrust Ruling: What to Know
GOOGL stock is soaring Wednesday after a judge ruled that Alphabet does not have to divest its Chrome browser.
-
More Than Money: The Hidden Toll of Financial Abuse of Older Adults
Financial abuse from schemes involving tech support, government impostors, false sweepstakes, grandchild hoaxes and online shopping issues can cause thousands of dollars in losses.
-
I'm a Financial Planner: Here Are Three High-Impact Ways to Make a Difference With Your Dollars
The world often feels out of control, but here are three ways to use your money — through investments, charitable giving and political donations — to help create a more just and sustainable future.
-
The Unsung Hero of Aisle 5: A Tale of Forgotten Change and Compassion at the Supermarket
This supermarket manager went above and beyond to help when a child forgot her change at the checkout counter. You might be surprised at some of the complications that supermarkets face when it comes to customers' forgotten change.
-
Train, Integrate, Retain: A Strategic Playbook for Adviser Onboardings
Build a thriving practice by training new advisers with clear goals, structured processes and consistent mentorship for strong team growth.
-
11 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Retirement
More than a travel trend, the road trip is a quintessential American tradition, with millions of us taking them each year. Here's a guide to helping you choose your next adventure.
-
I'm a Financial Professional: Here Are Four Ways You Can Use Debt to Build Wealth
Using debt strategically, such as for homeownership, education and more, can lead to greater financial stability and growth.
-
4 Career Moves to Make Now if You're Worried About a Recession
Worried about a recession? These steps to protect your job prospects will help you professionally whether a downturn develops or not.
-
How StoryCorps Works and How You Can Tell Your Story
StoryCorps has recorded conversations between thousands of people, and anyone can participate. National facilitator Alan Jinich explains how to share your story.