For larger purchases there’s often a fee to pay by credit card. If the fee is equal to or lower than my cash back rate, I’ll pay by card, but sometimes checks are the only feasible option.
Recent example: Tree trimming company. They accepted check (no fee) or card with 3% fee. The highest cash back card I have for generic purchase is 2%, so I paid by check instead.
Literally I've not seen a check in twenty+ years except for bank checks used to pay a mortgage. Where I live one can pay by direct bank transfer or debit card, usually with no fee while checks carry exorbitant fees and one has to make an appointment at the bank to cash one.
Now I’m more shocked to learn that having work done by a professional doesn’t result in an invoice but instead requires immediate payment?
Card fees in Europe I think can’t be shifted to the customer but that obviously means they are just part of the price. But - the price is the same regardless of payment method, so there is no money saved by avoiding cards. That’s why I consider everything to be 0-fee (invoice, card, money transfer).
Recent example: Tree trimming company. They accepted check (no fee) or card with 3% fee. The highest cash back card I have for generic purchase is 2%, so I paid by check instead.