Tips on How to Help an Elderly Parent Switch from Checks to a Debit Card

Traditional hand written checks are soon expected to go the way of the VHS, the audiocassette tape, and other now archaic symbols of life before the turn of the century. However, for many older citizens the use of checks is a process that they have become comfortable with, and one that they are less than willing to relinquish. Many adults are now worried that their aging parents may have a difficult time adjusting should checks become obsolete. To make the transition a bit easier for your loved one, consider the following tips on how to help an elderly parent switch from checks to a debit card more smoothly.

Tip #1: Emphasize security, identity, and full transparency. For senior citizens, check writing is a tried and true method of payment. However, the drawbacks of this payment instrument include an increased risk of identity theft, expensive reprinting orders, slow payment transactions, the ease of forgery, etc. Rather than focusing on the diminishing demand for checks in a modern society, try explaining to your elderly loved one that debit cards were created to counteract the failures of checks.

Tip #2: Start slow. The need for checks isn't likely to be completely erased for your parent in his/her lifetime. Encourage him/her to keep a box or two on hand should payments need to be mailed, non-cash down payments need to be made, etc. The idea of keeping a few checks around may be comforting.

Tip #3: Help your parent choose a bank that offers photo ID debit cards. A photo on the card ensures a feeling of increased security for an elderly customer. The photo will also decrease the odds of successful fraud should the card be misplaced or stolen.

Tip #4: Help your parent discover online account management. A simple Internet connection, a secure login and a password are all that are needed to view current bank transactions online. Avoid getting into the more complicated areas of online bill pay, online account setup, etc. Simply being able to view the day's transactions with 2-3 clicks is key.

Tip #5: Have your parent's bank continue to send paper billing statements. For many elderly customers, having a hard copy of transactions is a must. Make sure that your parent's bank is instructed to send paper statements as usual.

Tip #6: Show your loved one how to print out daily transactions. Again, hard copies are key for maintaining a sense of security and providing the elderly with proof of the effectiveness of a debit card.

Tip #7: Be sure to explain the instant access that debit cards provide. Used to having a few days before check transactions are cleared, the elderly are at risk of overdrawing their accounts accidentally upon receipt of their first debit cards. Be clear about this vital change.

Tip #8: Explain when debit card use is safe, and when it is not. Entering a debit card number at the request of an email, on a website that isn't reputable, onto a paper form, etc, is always a dangerous risk. Be sure to explain how debit card numbers must be protected.

Tip #9: Give your parent a copy of the number to call in order to cancel the card immediately. Should the debit card be lost or stolen, the ability to cancel it immediately will be a comfort to you both.

Remember that helping an elderly parent make the big switch from checks to a debit card is all about safety, security, and transparency. Just as you would wish to know more about a technological advance that directly impacts your finances, your parent will wish to receive the proper education and training necessary before making the final adjustment successfully.