With technology by Equifax and TeleCheck able to clear checks instantly, some e-retailers' sites include a check icon that enables shoppers to write virtual checks. There are a lot of people who simply say, 'I can control my spending better by check,' '' says Randy Templeton of TeleCheck. The charge and credit card giant is taking its own swipe at cybercrooks by issuing random payment numbers. The free card is good for a single purchase even though it may not expire until a later date, allowing merchants time to clear transactions. Merchants benefit from the increased confidence consumers have when shopping online and decreased potential for fraud,'' says Alfred Kelly, president of U.S. Consumer and Small Business Services for AmEx.
Credit cards dominate it now.
Security and privacy concerns are also helping boost interest in options other than traditional credit cards.