Community

I agree that simple alternatives are needed but you're just plain wrong to say politicians should be focussing on this stuff. That's the job of the banks - if they want to get rid of cheques, it's their responsibility to come up with replacements that are better.

If they don't, they should expect to face opposition from customers and the people that are elected to represent those customers.

Brett

Let's be clear about the central point here: I agree cheques are a relic and are set to go the way of the dodo and I agree that banks need to give them a little push.

What I object to is the disregard shown for the genuine concerns of real people. As an advocate of 'banking 2.0', mobile, social media et al, you and your tribe love to tell banks that they are behind their users; that they have to introduce this stuff because it's what the customer wants.

So why ignore the customer on cheques? Is it because old people are less likely to be profitable than the feted 'Gen Y' or maybe poor ancient cheques just aren't as shiny and sexy and new as Twitter.

I can't remember the last time I wrote a cheque but I received one fairly recently. It was from my Grandmother, she sends me one every year on my birthday. She's in her mid-seventies and a few months ago started getting lessons at the local library on how to use the Internet. She's just about getting the hang of email but I'm not sure she's ready for online banking and sending me a transfer.

So rather than just dismiss these people and their concerns, advocates for the killing off of cheques should take them seriously and address them. MPs and banks have a duty to act in their customers' interests, not just sneer and say ‘get with it grandpa'.

Yeah, screw old people, small businesses and charities! So what if MPs are being told by the idiots that elect them that cheques should stay, let's just look after the people who really matter and need our help - the bankers.

Have you tried the new Gmail Motion?

The government agrees with you Roy, although the green paper consultation is now closed so it's too late to lobby for your joke suggestion.

Which is a shame - they could have asked Vince Cable to write them after this gem: "What's the difference between a dead cat on the motorway and a dead banker on the motorway? There are skidmarks around the cat."

Ketharaman

Although they're asking for card details, payments can't be taken now because we're only in an application phase and the organisers will run a random ballot if there's over-subscription.

There's a guide to the process here.

Ketharaman

We'll give it some thought but my instinct tells me not to overcomplicate and that the demand's not really there.

Very true Ketharaman. Remember people, we're watching you...

Michael

Either works.

Anonymous

Verifone initially invited people to download the app it built but quickly realised this was pretty stupid (and potentially legally problematic) and removed it.

This guy's not a fan.