Nice scam, WA departing of licensing

[Ika]

You use American English. I do not. "Cheque" is the original, correct spelling.

I don't think I know anyone with a cheque book any more - and most young people don't carry any cash either. No need to with electronic payment methods available.

So how do you pay a friend $600 back for travel expenses (e.g. spring break)? How do you pay your landlord your rent for the semester?

That said, I personally rarely use checks - just used up my 10 free checks I got two and a half years ago.

 

[Mike Gayner]

So how do you pay a friend $600 back for travel expenses (e.g. spring break)? How do you pay your landlord your rent for the semester?

That said, I personally rarely use checks - just used up my 10 free checks I got two and a half years ago.

Is this a serious question? I know banking in the States is primitive compared with most of the rest of the world, but you can't be serious? Everyone just does internet fund transfers - all you need is the person's bank account number. And because bank account numbers are standardised and the banks here communicate, these transfers are easy, fast and common place.

 

[KillerCharlie]

First of all, donating $5 to the parks has always been on there, it's just that this is the first year it's the default option.

It's been all over the news, which apparently you don't read or listen to.

I would also like to say that Washington is the only state I have been in where state parks are free for day use. I have been to state parks in Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Michigan, and they all charge at least $5/day just to enter the park.

 

[KillerCharlie]

Is this a serious question? I know banking in the States is primitive compared with most of the rest of the world, but you can't be serious? Everyone just does internet fund transfers - all you need is the person's bank account number. And because bank account numbers are standardised and the banks here communicate, these transfers are easy, fast and common place.

Most people in the US do everything electronically, including paying for their vehicle licensing (like I just did in the state of WA... and the OP didn't do). Really the only main usage of checks I see now is person-to-person like he described. Most people are not willing to give their bank account numbers to another person.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Most people in the US do everything electronically, including paying for their vehicle licensing (like I just did in the state of WA... and the OP didn't do). Really the only main usage of checks I see now is person-to-person like he described. Most people are not willing to give their bank account numbers to another person.

Why, are your banking systems so primitive and insecure that a bank account number is actually worth something? The vast majority of Trademe (our version of eBay) transactions are done via online bank transfers (I would estimate 95%+ not including pick-ups) and bank account numbers are given out freely. A bank account number is only useful for someone wanting to put money INTO an account, hence most companies here print their account number on their invoices so you can pay them electronically too.

And because of the superior systems we have in place, we have no need for expensive bullshit systems like Paypal. Transfers are quick and safe, and in most cases no fees are charged by either party's bank.

 

[DanDaManJC]

meh $5 is more than worth it for all the kickass state parks out here. I know it's about the principle of the state preying on those who don't read the fine print... but it's actually something I think is a great service

 

[Newbian]

nevr

Lol, what one is that now since it's to small to see the image in the image?

 

[Mike Gayner]

Lol, what one is that now since it's to small to see the image in the image?

It's the same image embedded in itself ad infinitum.

 

[Born2bwire]

Why, are your banking systems so primitive and insecure that a bank account number is actually worth something? The vast majority of Trademe (our version of eBay) transactions are done via online bank transfers (I would estimate 95%+ not including pick-ups) and bank account numbers are given out freely. A bank account number is only useful for someone wanting to put money INTO an account, hence most companies here print their account number on their invoices so you can pay them electronically too.

And because of the superior systems we have in place, we have no need for expensive bullshit systems like Paypal. Transfers are quick and safe, and in most cases no fees are charged by either party's bank.

Yes, somehow banking is magically different in the United States. They don't have those fancy things that you just got like internets, electricity, toilet paper, or soap. You should really check out soap too, it's all the rage with the young hip crowd.

 

[Colt45]

Yes, somehow banking is magically different in the United States. They don't have those fancy things that you just got like internets, electricity, toilet paper, or soap. You should really check out soap too, it's all the rage with the young hip crowd.

Gayner is actually right this time. North America is superbly backwards when it comes to bank to bank transfers. Fees out the ass.

 

[Born2bwire]

Gayner is actually right this time. North America is supurbly backwards when it comes to bank to bank transfers. Fees out the ass.

Seriously? My bank gives free online banking and transfers. A quick look at HSBC and Bank of America shows that they offer free internet banking that allows for paperless statements, automatic bill pay, and free transfer to accounts within the same bank and to other banks too.

There has been nothing that I have found overseas that I couldn't get an equivalent service for at a large US bank. Christ sakes, many banks you find in the US are the banks you find internationally, like HSBC and Citibank.

Personally, I still prefer to use checks. Bills are automatically paid via credit card which automatically deducts in full from my account. Same deal for back in the States. The only things that leaves checks are the incidental payments that are usually unique in origin. Like rent, personal transactions, unique bills like doctor's, etc. I still prefer to write checks because it is still more convenient than going home, logging on to the computer, getting my personal key generator, signing in to my internet bank account using User name, password, randomly generated key and then having to type in the 10 digit account, the dollar amount, a memo so I know what the transaction was, and then another randomly generated key. A check 99/100 is faster for me to write and I automatically get a written record of it as well and I can present payment face to face.

 

[foghorn67]

Gayner is actually right this time. North America is superbly backwards when it comes to bank to bank transfers. Fees out the ass.

Bring your old avatar back.

 

[Born2bwire]

Bring your old avatar back.

...it is not only possible, it is essential.

It would not be difficult, Mein Fuehrer, nuclear reactors... I'm sorry Mr. President, nuclear reactors...

:awe:

 

[Colt45]

Bring your old avatar back.

Which one?

I haven't changed it in a while?

 

[Leros]

You should donate anyway. We need to preserve our state and national parks. I'm always amazed by the natural beauty of them and they're usually cheap/free to get into.

 

[Newbian]

You should donate anyway. We need to preserve our state and national parks. I'm always amazed by the natural beauty of them and they're usually cheap/free to get into.

Don't taxes pay for most of them anyways?

 

[mugs]

I think I'd go with this. Our Q is way underutilized over here. It needs to be given a chance to shine :^D

I have a Q in my name, and dumbasses always replace it with a G.

 

[TallBill]

Departing?

 

[Uppsala9496]

WTF people still use cheques in the USA?

In IL, I have 4 options to pay for my plate renewal.
Check in the mail.
Phone payment with credit card - convenience fee applies.
Internet payment with credit card - convenience fee applies.
Go to dept of motor vehicles to pay which is not really an option because that place is the 7th circle of hell.

So, I send in a check. I could go to a 3rd party check cashing place and get it, but once again, a convenience fee applies.

I think IL needs people to send in paper checks so they can justify paying some state employees to process them.

 

[James Bond]

First of all, donating $5 to the parks has always been on there, it's just that this is the first year it's the default option.

It's been all over the news, which apparently you don't read or listen to.

I would also like to say that Washington is the only state I have been in where state parks are free for day use. I have been to state parks in Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Michigan, and they all charge at least $5/day just to enter the park.

WTF seriously? I've never heard of charging to enter a park, that seems so wrong :/

 

[KillerCharlie]

WTF seriously? I've never heard of charging to enter a park, that seems so wrong :/

Do you live in the US? We're talking about STATE parks. These aren't city parks...

The vast majority of states charge for entrance to state parks.

Washington is actually following Montana's lead, which covers day use at state parks using the same means ($5 fee when licensing your vehicle).

 

[Deeko]

A) WA State is absolutely pathetic. Seriously, this state's government - along with Seattle and King County - is an absolute joke, and an affront to democracy. I am embarrassed to say that I live here and that my tax money pays these morons' salaries.

B) Gayner, and all you little New Zealand kids - do you EVER post something that isn't in one way or another an attack on America or Americans? Grow up.

 

[pyonir]

WTF seriously? I've never heard of charging to enter a park, that seems so wrong :/

It's called a Vehicle permit here in Minnesota. $5 for a day pass that can be used at any state park. Or you can get a year pass for $25.

 

[Mike Gayner]

B) Gayner, and all you little New Zealand kids - do you EVER post something that isn't in one way or another an attack on America or Americans? Grow up.

LOL, rage much?

 

[James Bond]

Do you live in the US? We're talking about STATE parks. These aren't city parks...

The vast majority of states charge for entrance to state parks.

Washington is actually following Montana's lead, which covers day use at state parks using the same means ($5 fee when licensing your vehicle).

Thought you meant city parks, false alarm