Target will cease accepting personal checks from shoppers starting July 15, marking another step in the decline of this traditional payment method. The Minneapolis-based retailer cited extremely low usage rates for personal checks as the primary reason for the decision. Instead, Target encourages customers to use credit and debit cards, "buy now, pay later" services, and the Target Circle membership program for a streamlined shopping experience. This change reflects broader trends in consumer behavior, with check usage plummeting from nearly 19 billion in 1990 to just 3.4 billion in 2022, according to the Federal Reserve. The average check value, however, has increased significantly during this period. Other major retailers like Walmart, Macy’s, and Kohl’s still accept checks, but grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market and Aldi have already phased them out. Rising check fraud and the convenience of digital payment methods further contribute to the decline in check usage.
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