Why do companies still take checks and not just cash debit or credit?

For the bottom dollar. People don't always carry cash or have credit cards. You want to increase sales? Make the purchase easier for the customer. With proper ID you at least have recourse if it does bounce. www.slygear.com Also because it costs you nothing to receive checks - there are fees associated with receiving credit cards and debit cards that can add up to a significant amount. For example: Certain floral (flower shops) support companies (like FTD) offer credit card processing for their customers - the benefit is that they can accept almost any credit card ... down side is that the fees, charges and hidden costs can run upwards of 6% of the total sale to the owner... that's on top of the absolutely deplorable monthly statements they send that probably could have been more concise if drawn up by a team of 2 year olds with large boxes of crayons.