I remember my mother when she lived in a mobile home park in southern California waiting with other seniors for the mailman to deliver the Social Security checks and then walk across the street to the bank to deposit or cash their checks. It was the time to visit and socialize. She was fearful of Direct Deposit and didn't understand it.
Yes, I love the convenience of direct deposit. I also love automatic bill-pay. I never have to touch money at all.
I also like mobile depositing on my phone. I also like that you can deposit cash into an ATM. Fantastic stuff that makes life so much more convenient.
Not only do my Social Security payments come that way, but I have been paid by direct deposit for the past fifteen years from my employer, as well.
The postal service has "Informed Delivery" on their website which shows you a pic of what mail you should expect to see that day. Very infrequently I end up missing mail but it does happen. It could be a check if you didn't have direct deposit which I do.
I agree about mobile deposits; that is so cool. Just take a photo of a check with the bank's app and BOOM!
Since I retired in July 1998, my Pension checks have been direct-deposited in my checking account on the first of every month, even if it's on a Sunday. My Socialized Security checks are always direct-deposited on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. My investment dividends are published in my monthly investment portfolio statement. Yup Yup Yup Hal
I'm used to it and I take it for granted. I don't think there has ever been any other way of paying out wages and salaries since the 1970s - what I call the dark age. Wages and salaries are direct-deposited in your checking account and I'd have to withdraw it from there. I'd never have wanted to be given cash at the end of the month - so inconvenient and unnecessary.
As for ATM's...I never go near one, and I don't even like their smell. If you're planning to spend cash...then carry it with you! Hal