Dealing with checks is such a hassle, what with using the correct envelope, keying in the amount and making sure the envelope faces the right way and goes in the right slot that many ATM users don't bother. Barnett Banks and Ohio's Huntington Banks are currently trying out the feature at some of their ATMs. New York's Chemical Bank will begin testing it later this year. It never fails. You're late, and the customer ahead of you keeps the whole line waiting while he slowly fills out his check.
Customers hand a blank personal check to the clerk, who inserts it into the machine.
It comes out imprinted with the store's name, the date, and the amount in numbers and text, ready to sign. Shoppers spend less time checking out, and mistakes are reduced. Retail back offices don't have to deal with indecipherable handwriting, and the check is automatically endorsed. Moreover, some of these printers also can read the codes at the bottom of the check for electronic verification, eliminating the need to carry a courtesy card. One less card in the wallet is a benefit anyone can appreciate.