Target will cease accepting personal checks in stores starting July 15 due to the declining popularity of this payment method. As digital wallets, credit, and debit cards become the norm, checks have seen a significant decrease in usage, dropping from about half of noncash payments in 2003 to just 15% by 2012. By 2023, only 1% of consumers preferred using checks for in-store purchases. Target aims to streamline the checkout process by offering multiple modern payment options, such as digital wallets, buy now, pay later services, and the revamped Target Circle Cards. This move is aligned with broader retail trends where other chains like Aldi and Whole Foods have also phased out check payments. The transition reflects a broader shift towards more efficient, contactless payment methods that gained momentum, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers increasingly adopted digital payment solutions.
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