6 Easy Alternatives to Printing and Mailing a Check
Printing and mailing a check is a relatively uncomplicated process but is unlikely to be the easiest or most secure method for sending money. With modern technology and the internet, there are plenty of platforms for securely making a payment to both businesses and individuals.
If you still need to send money by traditional means, a reputable check printing and mailing service with high-quality customization and security options is sure to serve your needs.
Before ordering your next set of checks, there are a few online payment options you might want to be aware of that are often easier and more convenient. These payment platforms are typically free and, more often than not, don’t charge fees. Checks are often the standby method for sending money, but with the technological capabilities of banks and online services, they are becoming increasingly obsolete.
In this article, we’ll cover a few of the best alternatives to printing a check and sending it by mail. These inexpensive payment programs speed up the process of paying another person and are almost always an upgrade to the security of your transactions.
Paypal
Paypal is a secure online payment method that doubles as a means to send money to your friends and family. Paypal is one of the oldest platforms on this list, but its interface, account features, and security settings still receive continuous updates.
For this reason, Paypal is still the most widely accepted means of payment online, other than credit or debit cards. Signing up for the platform is easy, and you won’t need to download any software or phone apps to get started.
Once you’ve created an account, you can link a credit card or bank account for sending money. If you send money through Paypal with these methods, fees will be minimal to none, even if you are sending money overseas.
If you receive a payment through Paypal, it will keep the money in your account’s Paypal balance. You’ll need to initiate a transfer back to your bank to use this money elsewhere, which may take up to three days.
Venmo
Venmo is a popular money-sharing app for iPhone and Android that is free to download from the app store. It is the property of the same company as Paypal, which means if you have a Paypal account, you already have a Venmo account. Venmo carries a number of social features that make it ideal for making smaller payments to friends and family while on the go.
Venmo transactions are social and may, by default, be visible to people on your friend’s list. You can change the privacy settings for each transaction to make it visible for only the payer and payee.
To find your friends on Venmo, you can link your account to the most popular social media sites, such as Facebook. For more information on finding friends through this app, check out this guide for adding or removing friends from your Venmo account.
Apple Pay
iPhone and Mac users may already be familiar with this payment method, which is native to and only usable with Apple products. An increasing number of retailers use Apple Pay in both in-person and online stores, with transactions completed with only a tap from your phone.
However, if you are seeking a simple and easy-to-use method of payment, Apple Pay may be the best option for you. The only downside is that the other person you will be sending money to needs an Apple Pay account.
Google Pay
Google Pay is the Android alternative to Apple Pay, though it carries a significantly lower user base. However, it is considerably easier to use for people who don’t own any Apple devices and are interested in completing a payment online without downloading the accompanying smartphone app. If you already have a Google account for Gmail or any GSuite products, you won’t need to create a new account.
There are a few simple steps you’ll need to complete when setting up the Pay side of your Google account, including linking to another payment method.
You pin coupons through this platform, make in-person or online purchases, and save important information like boarding passes and even your vaccine card. The smartphone app has seen several major updates in the past few months and has even seen a name change from Google Wallet to Google Pay.
Masterpass
Masterpass is an online means of sending money to other people or businesses from Mastercard. You won’t need a Mastercard to open an account and may find the platform to be a more professional alternative to services like Venmo and Apple Pay.
You can use a credit card to load your Masterpass wallet and won’t have to save the payment method before sending or receiving money. If you’re a business owner or work for an eCommerce company, signing up to allow consumers to purchase your products through Masterpass is particularly easy.
Bank Transfer
If you prefer to avoid signing up for a new online payment platform, your bank likely has a convenient and straightforward method for sending money. Bank transfers are most suitable for paying others that hold accounts through the same bank.
Paying accounts held through other banks can incur a few minor fees but is sometimes worth it for avoiding the process of signing up for an account and linking a payment method to another online payment platform.
Conclusion
Many online platforms make the process of paying another person remotely more manageable and secure than sending a check in the mail. Services like Paypal, Google Pay, and Masterpass are convenient, easy to register for, and rarely incur fees. If you do end up needing to make a payment with a check, make sure you’re choosing and check printing and mailing service that includes high-quality security and customization options.
Explore further:
