Unlike the yesteryears, online shopping has become very popular nowadays, thanks to modern technology. As we speak, you can now shop more conveniently from the comfort of your home. Since most stores are not only allowing cash but also other forms of payments, be sure that you will have an easy time doing your shopping. Besides the conventional credit cards, you can now use other digital forms of payments such as eChecks. When it comes to paying with eChecks, there are various methods that can help you get started. One of them is PayPal. Although some stores accept eChecks with PayPal, there are some that accept eChecks not linked to PayPal. In this article, we shall take a closer look at some of these stores that accept eChecks without PayPal alongside other related facets.
What are eChecks?
Also known as an electric check, this is typically the digital version of a paper check. eChecks can also be referred to as internet checks or online checks. With the advancement of technology, most businesses are now accepting eChecks payments from different customers all over the world. If you are a resident of the US, eChecks work using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to transfer money from the payer’s checking account to the payee’s checking account.
As we speak, business owners can now sign up for an ACH merchant account so that they can be able to withdraw money paid through eChecks. However, for your payment to go through, the customer has to authorize the transaction.
To put this into perspective, the customer has to accept the terms and conditions of the site he or she is buying goods and services from. Since the payment process is completed electronically, buying goods and services using an eCheck is quite fast and more convenient than using paper checks.
Besides this, there are no extra charges one can incur when he or she wants to cash in eCheck payments. Therefore, this online payment method has proved to be a lifesaver and a game-changer for many customers and businesses.
Top 8 Best Stores That Accept eChecks Without PayPal?
Like we mentioned above, there are a number of stores that allows you to pay for goods and services online with checks through the PayPal platform. As long as the store accepts payment from PayPal, you will be good to go. All you need to do is to link your PayPal account to your checking account and then wait for the verification period. Typically, this period takes 120 hours for it to be completed. After that, one can start using the PayPal account to pay the online seller via eCheck.
However, there are some stores that do not accept PayPal as a payment gateway. This can be attributed to higher fees, transaction duration, flexibility, policy issues alongside other factors. If you have to an eCheck to make payment, you have to either mail it or provide its number to the merchant or checkout portal when making payments. Some of the stores that accept eChecks without PayPal include:
1. Amazon
From electronic accessories to clothes, Amazon is the hub of nearly everything you can think of. Here, you will get high-quality products that come at competitive prices. If you reside in the US, chances are that you have purchased an item or two on this online store. The good news is that this store accepts checks online.
For you to pay using an online check, you need to add your checking account to your Amazon account. However, there is a limit that one should not exceed. As long as you purchase goods within the set limit, be sure that you will be good to go.
One of the vital factors that determine this restriction is your Amazon purchase history. Besides online checks, Visa, Paytm debit, MasterCards and credit cards from various banks are accepted here. However, this online store does not accept payment from PayPal.
2. Nordstrom
When it corms to epic seasonal deals, this online store does not disappoint. The good news is that you can either choose to shop at your nearest local store or online. If you choose the latter option, you can make your payment using an eCheck.
When paying, you just need to get your eCheck number of the bank that issued it and then provide it at the checkout portal. Once the bill has been cleared, your order will be processed and later sent to you. Therefore, you have to wait for some time for your order to reach you.
3. Footlocker
Besides the above-mentioned stores, Footlocker is another store that allows people to shop online and pay with eChecks. Once you shop at this store, you have to mail the eCheck so that the retailer on the other end can be notified.
Besides this, you need to present your check within 15 days after placing your order. Other payment methods accepted here include Visa, MasterCard, JCB and debit cards.
3. Eastbay
The store mentioned above is renowned for selling a plethora of items such as footwear, clothing, sporting equipment and many more. Unlike other stores, this one allows users to pay using eChecks. The store also offers special offers to shoppers who pay using eChecks.
However, there is a limit of eCheck payment. For instance, your eCheck should not be more than $500. Besides this, you should not send your eCheck two weeks after placing your order as it will be rejected.
4. Oriental Trading
Initially, Oriental Trading used to be a gift shop. However, the shop has grown over the years, and now it is a merchant for toys, art supplies, craft, school supplies and so forth. If your order is above $49, be sure that you will enjoy free shipping. Besides this, the store allows shoppers to pay using both physical checks and eChecks.
When making payments, you need to fill out an order form and then mail the eCheck along with it. Ideally, the physical address and the current address should be similar. Besides this, they should appear well on the eCheck. When mailing the order and the eCheck, you should use the following address:
ORIENTAL TRADING CO., INC
P.O.BOX 230
Omaha, Nebraska 68103-2308
5. Best Buy
When it comes to home appliances and electronic products, this online store does not disappoint. Here, you will have a chance to purchase a myriad of items such as laptops, mobile phones, television sets and many more.
Just like the stores mentioned above, this one also allows you to pay for the products mentioned above via eChecks. However, you do not have to link your checking account with PayPal for the payment to be complete.
All you need to do is to provide your eCheck number from the issuing bank, and you will be good to go. When it comes to the processing timelines, eChecks here can take a couple of days. However, your order will be sent to you once the bill has been cleared.
6. Vistaprint
The above-mentioned company is reputable for producing top-notch marketing materials that can be used by professionals across board. More importantly, if you are a website owner or a business person, you can purchase physical and digital marketing products here.
Fortunately, Vistaprint allows shoppers to pay for products using eChecks. Besides this, the retailer allows you to mail in paper checks. Better still, you can make payments using MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
If you choose to use eChecks to make payments, be sure that the whole process will be both fast and seamless. All you need to do is to provide the eCheck account number from the issuing bank when making payments for your order and then be good to go.
7. Overstock
Whether you want to purchase couches or beds, be sure that you will find plenty of options at Overstock. The good news is that you will find designer products here at the lowest prices online. Once you do your shopping here, you can pay for your products using an eCheck.
If this is your preferred method of payment, the shop will ask you to provide the routing number of your checking account and its number. By doing so, you will be able to complete the payment process.
8. Dell
Dell is known as one of the largest computer stores worldwide. Here, you will find a myriad of Dell laptops and desktops that will meet your needs. Once you purchase your desired Dell laptop or desktop, trust that you will be able to make payment using eChecks.
When making payment, you will be asked a few details such as your eCheck number and its routing number, and you will be good to go. After that, your order will be processed once the payment is cleared.
Tips For Shopping Using eChecks
Although paying using eChecks has proved to be very effective in the recent past, it is not immune to a number of risks. From data theft to fraud, there are many risks that come with this kind of payment method. To keep these risks at bay, you should consider the following ideas:
1. Avoid making purchases on public Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi networks have become lifesavers for those who want to save more on data expenses. However, these networks are not encrypted. Therefore, if you make purchases on these networks, be sure that your payment information can be compromised. To avert the challenges that come with this problem, it is essential that you make purchases on an encrypted network. A good example is the network you use at home.
2. Always purchase from genuine and safe websites
Once you start browsing the internet, chances are that you will come across tons of websites where you can buy an item or two. Although some of these websites are genuine, others are out there to get personal information from you.
Thereafter, this information can be used to hack your checking account. Better still, this information can be sold to 3rd parties without your express permission. Therefore, you should only shop from trusted sites. Besides this, avoid visiting questionable links. To be on the safe side, be keen to check the lock symbol on your browser before you enter any personal information during the checkout process. If your site does not have the lock symbol, close it immediately as it may not have the much-needed security protection.
3. Use strong passwords
Since you will be making payments online, you will be required to enter a number of passwords here and there. These passwords are usually used for authentication purposes. For optimal results, you should always use a combination that is too strong for a hacker to guess or imagine.
4. Do not share your account number or information with untrustworthy people
Although most people do not mind sharing their account information or details with friends, sometimes, some of these people may end up scamming you. With your account details at hand, someone can make fraudulent transactions and thus lead to massive losses in your bank account.
5. Avoid sharing computers and laptops
If you have to use a laptop to make purchases, let one person use it at a time. In fact, you should limit the number of people using it. Better still, let it be that you are the only person using it. In case you allow the site to store your password, you will not have to freak out as you are the only one who has access to the laptop or computer.
In addition, if you use a new device to log in, always log out before leaving the device. This way, a hacker will not have access to your personal information. If it is a device that you hardly use, avoid clicking the ‘Remember Me’ option.
Final Words
From being fast to being safe to use, eChecks have revolutionized the way shoppers make payments online. Besides having the typical credit cards, one can make payment using an eCheck. The good news is that the stores mentioned above do not require you to link your PayPal to your checking account for you to make payments using eChecks. As long as you have the eCheck number and its routing number, be sure that you will be good to go. Shop at any of the stores mentioned above using eChecks today, and you will be able to enjoy unmatched convenience.