I use First Direct for my banking, and was one of their first 1,000 customers, so I've been using telephone banking since 1990.

They introduced "online" banking quite early, you had to dial into their computer system and use two passwords for access. I didn't use this facility much, as it was terribly slow, and didn't have any clear advantage to using their telephone banking, which is answered day & night within a couple of rings.

As soon as I got broadband I switched to mostly online, with just an occasional call to check on pending payments and charges etc.

If I have to pay checks in I can use HSBC branches, but it's a couple of years since I had to do this.

One thing I'm really impressed with is the speed of response when someone cloned my card. I'd used it in Rochdale one day, and 10 minutes later I got a phone call from HSBC security to check the transaction because my card had been used in Manchester a few minutes before. My card was cancelled on the spot and I got a fresh one two days later.

I can't see how I can do without a cheque book. I have just this minute posted one for £120 to someone to book a table for ten at an occasion which is happening in Liverpool. The application form asked for cheques to be made out to ..... etc. There was no alternative.

I also often pass on money I collect as membership fees by individuals. I put this in my bank and then pay our treasurer the total by cheque, I then have proof that I have paid it in. It seems more sensible to me than carrying the cash around until I meet our treasurer.

Bing.alau - I know where you are coming from ;0)

Having been involved in a "society" for over 20 years we are trying to address the fact that most people, including myself, couldn't put their hands on a checkbook - can't remember when I last sent one or where it is.

We have had to address the fact that the vast majority of people now use online methods of payment and as a result we have to track those payments. Banks no longer issue Cheque Books to new customers unless they ask for them apparrently. We still have Direct Debits credited to our redundant Membership Account for £3 a year which dates back to pre-2000. We have few records to identify them and despite writing to the last known address they continue.

Ditto. I'm also another who progressed on from phone banking. I can't remember the last time I visited a branch, even though my local branch is only a mile from me, I have no need. I also can't remember the last cheque I wrote, I never liked them anyway, and I'm much happier to use debit card transactions as the balance is updated almost instantly and I don't have to wait for the recipient to cash it. I move money to and from my own accounts, my son's account and my partners in a matter of minutes from wherever I happen to be at the time. I find it extremely convenient and would find it very unpleasant to be without it.