Checks may seem old school in this digital world we are living in but believe it or not, it still holds its presence as a payment method. It is a safe yet not so fast payment method compared to credit/debit cards and mobile payments. Especially in grocery stores where they might increase wait times and queues.
How Do Grocery Stores Verify Checks?
The check that is used in grocery stores is known as a personal check. Personal check is a slip paper issued by a bank that comes with your account number and the bank’s routing number. This slip has blank spaces of the payee, date, amount of check and signature for the account holder to fill at time of payment.
In this century, most grocery stores verify checks using electronic systems. This is done to ensure the check is valid and the account is in good financial standing. The verification process can either be done using a scanner or enter information manually. The two most important numbers that need to be included on checks are the customer’s account and the bank’s routing number. The routing number is used to identify the bank’s information like the bank’s name, phone number as well as the address.
Sometimes an identification card may be requested to make sure the name on the check matches the person.
Does the electronic system show your bank balance?
The electronic system does not show how much you have in your account; however, it verifies if the account has a positive balance and if the account is valid. This is done to ensure the account is in good financial balance.
What can make the grocery store reject the check?
The system rejects the check if the account has negative or insufficient money. In some cases, the grocery stores may check the database if you have any failed or bad checks in the past, that might cause the system to reject the check.
Does the electronic system make verification errors?
The system does make mistakes by rejecting the check which shouldn’t have been rejected. In this case, it is recommended to ask the grocery store for contact information or visit a verification company to know why it was rejected and if it’s an error.
The verification is made at the checkout, which means the customer may be asked to provide another means of payment should the check be rejected. If the customer cannot or refuses to pay, the groceries are taken back to the shelves. The risk is lower compared to restaurants, where the food is consumed before payment or other places where service is used beforehand. Therefore, restaurants do not accept checks as a payment method.
Do all grocery stores accept checks?
Not all grocery stores accept checks. Stores like Whole Foods and Aldi do not accept checks mainly because it does not work well with their operational efficiencies. The check verification takes longer, and this will increase wait times causing long lines. This may irritate customers while the store loses customers.
The number of people using checks is declining as more people are now using mobile payments and debit or credit cards. These methods are faster and safer compared to a check method.
List of popular grocery stores that accept check
1. Baker’s 2. Alberton’s3. Shoprite4. Food Lion5. Fred Meyer6. Food 4 Less7. Smith’s Food and Drug8. Win Co9. Stop & Shop10. Save Mart Supermarkets
Why should one use a check?
Check is a safe payment method developed for a person not to carry a large amount of cash. Cash can be easily lost and hard to trace, hence checks are traceable and safe to use. Checks are convenient and easily usable. Thieves cannot use checks since it needs identification.
Why do grocery stores accept checks?
Although many people are switching to mobile banking systems and card payments, there are people who still use checks, especially the elders. The older generation are more familiar with the check and cash method, other than the mostly used mobile and card payments. Grocery stores do this to make sure all their customers are happy and satisfied.
Some grocery stores have a policy to accept the checks only if the customer has once made a purchase using another method of payment. This is ensuring the store it is a recurring or a loyal customer.
Conclusion
Even though debit/credit cards and mobile payments are faster and safer than checks, it is still advisable to continue to use checks to avoid carrying cash with you. Checks are traceable and not easily lost. Grocery stores cannot view your bank balance but can surely check if you have a positive balance and if the account is valid. If you are using a check payment, make sure your account has sufficient funds before doing groceries.
Can the check be cashed at grocery stores?
No, it is best to cash it up at your bank.
How do you get a check?
Visit your bank to enquire about available checks.
Is it safe to use checks?
Yes, checks need identification and can be traced using the bank details and the holders account number.
Can the store know if you have insufficient funds?
Yes, the system rejects the check if the account does not have good positive standing.
What do you do if the check declines in a grocery store?
In this case, ask the grocery store to provide you with contact details or go to a verification company to find out why it declined.
