Complaint Review: WalMart

the merchant is required to give you a reason code and the number to the chck system they use. You would then contact the verification company (Telecheck) and say my check was rejected due to code # (whatever Walmart gave you). Telecheck can then tell you why it was rejected and what you can do to get your checks accepted again.

OK - I give - I WILL begin using my DC from now on!  Thank you for your responses - And I mean that sincerely.

HOWEVER - you all seem to miss the point that I am being victimized by a system that simply does not work sometimes.  The check clearing companies have blocked me from writing checks at two of my fav merchants and I fear writing checks anyplace else in the future just waiting for this malignancy to spread further!  Yet, NONE OF THE CHECK CLEARING COMPANIES HAVE A NEGATIVE REPORT ON ME, MY CHECKING, OR MY DRIVER's LICENSE!!  They all say my info is positive or non-existent!!  So WHY THE DECLINES????

Basically, what I am trying to state is that WM, Albertson's, etc need to look more closely into the companies they are using to clear checks.  I am not the only consumer that is being victimized by this totally inadequate system.  THAT is why I filed this report against WalMart.

I am an accountant by trade and, even I, can see that their check clearing systems need updating, or at the least, need to use more than just one item on which it bases its decline info. - Mine, just seems to be my Driver's License. - And, again, I state, none of the companies show anything negative.  They have no reason to decline my checks, - BUT THEY DO!

But, I am like the silly dog that keeps chasing its own tail in this matter - What's the sense??  I will use my DC and "get with the 21st Century!"  Thanks Everyone!

I honestly don't know why you're filing a ROR on Wal-mart. It sounds like your identity has been stolen. Why are you mad at the merchants? They're just using the information Telecheck is providing to them. They (the merchants and Telecheck) don't know that your driver's license number and whatever else has been compromised.

Someone else mentioned that using checks is really just asking for it. They're right. Checks have your name, address, phone number, your account and routing numbers on it. Anyone could take the basic info on a check and run rampant on the internet or with phone ordering. Trust me, get a debit card.

YOU are making your decisions and your statements based on bad information.

Debit cards are MUCH safer than checks.

With a Visa or Mastercard branded debit card, your losses max out at $50, and that card can be cancelled in a matter of minutes if lost or stolen.

If you lose your checkbook, those checks will be sold on the streets and written all over the place. You will have to fight nsf fees and deal with merchants, and will have no choice but to close your account.

And, you think that check is safe? Really????????

When you hand someone your check, you are handing over your name, address, BANK ACCOUNT # and routing number. Just the name and address in the wrong hands can open you up to a home invasion and/or robbery. Yeah..thats alot safer than a debit card!

And, with your check in hand, I can wipe out your bank account. Just need that account number and routing number that you just handed me! Thanks!

Time to go shopping!

Steve of Bradenton - While your response DID make sense on using a Debit Card instead of a check, your inferring that I am not with the 21st Century made me angry!  You are assuming I am old and ignorant of the ways of the modern world! -

Has it ever occurred to you that carrying a Debit/Credit card is VERY DANGEROUS to your credit!!  Not one time in using a Deb/Cr card have I ever been asked for proof of identity - this means anyone can take my Deb/Cr card and use it anyplace, anytime, for any amount!!  - Even though I have used the signature space on the back to state PLEASE ASK FOR PHOTO ID!!  - Never happens!!  Heck, you don't even have to give a PIN #!!  And, THAT, worries me!

Sure, I can stop and probably collect/correct any unauthorized use of my card almost immediately, but that still does not stop the embarrassment, humiliation, and stress.  And that is what I am most concerned with!  The more times you whip out that handy D/C card and use it the more times you take the risk of losing/forgetting it!  And, THAT worries me!

So, next time you respond please consider the feelings of the person you are responding to and show a little respect!    ;)

BYW - I have EXCELLENT CREDIT AND HAVE NEVER WRITTEN A BAD CHECK IN ALL MY 62 YRS!!  In fact, my credit is so good that I am constantly bombarded by credit companies/banks to take out more credit - they need ME and millions of others like me to help pay off all the bad credit they have extended, I guess.

I do not know what your financial situation is, however within the last couple years I believe the way Wal-mart and a lot of other companies handle checks has changed.

For starters, Wal-mart specifically does  scan of your check, they should actually hand you your check back.. When the check is scanned the money is immediately taken from your account.. This is bad if someone is trying to float a check for a day or two.

For companies that still deposit the actual check, the process has changed a little as well. Once the check is dropped off at the bank, they scan the check and electronically take the money from your account.. the only day you can float a check is Sundays as banks are not open on Sundays, however on Monday when the check is dropped off at the bank the money will be taken..

So, if you are trying to float a check the system will know at that moment what you have available to use.. It won't factor other checks that are not process yet so it won't save you from a NSF but it tries to save them from it. Also, if you have bounced a check in the past with them at any store that uses that check verify network, then they will refuse it.. That is based on the account number of the account and not your drivers license..

I know others have suggested to get a debit card, my grandmother is in your same position and she just doesn't trust a debit card.. So I can understand if you are not comfortable with it, but you may want to consider using a debit card. If you don't have one, they are free.. and by using it you won't be using up them awfully expensive checks.. I opened a new account yesterday and they cost me around 30 bucks.. ouch!

A real easy solution here!

STOP writing checks and just use a debit card! I have never seen a checking account that doesn't offer a debit card.

Time to move into the 21st century! Nobody writes checks anymore!

Problem solved!

...Use a debit card from your bank, checks are near obsolete anymore.

And if you think writing a check will buy you more time for a deposit to clear that would be so wrong as most checks are not even deposited anymore they are cleared instantly by ACH withdrawal.

This is Telecheck (if that's the company used to verify checks). The best thing to do is to contact Telecheck during the week and see if you can get this resolved. Another option would be to get a debit card from your bank and use it to make your purchases.