Not if you only use a bank debit card. If there isn't any money in the bank, you can't spend it, unlike a credit card. I very rarely use cash any more. It doesn't make sense to go all the way to an ATM to pull out cash, when I can use the very same debit card at the store & money comes from the same account. As a result of rarely using cash, and rarely receiving change from purchases, I haven't been able to fill in very many o the state quarters on the boards I purchased for my kids.
BTW, I pay all my bills using my computer, so I also very rarely use checks.
I am doing the same thing, my bills seem to pay themselves. I think its the best thing going, and at least I know where my card has been.
Both of you nailed why we are shifting from cash to credit and debit cards.
I have paid my bills via Check Free for over decade and recently went to my bank's electronic payment system which is probably Check Free's and it is free.
Just yesterday I renewed the license on my wife's Lexus on the computer and Ca's DMV slick new program that allowed me to use my credit card. DMV is a nightmare and paying via AAA requires driving to AAA and standing in line to write a check. It took longer to fill out the survey form to see how I felt about the new system.
Last week, we had 3 daughters of friends get married. I sat down with the computer and went to the store sites, where they were registered. My wife decided what to send them. All three received their presents and either called to say thanks or sent an email.
Our monthly Dish tv bill, Opex long distance bill and a couple of minor bills are paid automatically via a credit card. I don't even have to use the electronic bill paying system. I would love to see PG&E, SBC and our local utilities go to credit card billing and payment.
If I could live the rest of my life without messing with money and change, I would be happy.