Want to buy some land? Get ready to write a check to some person or government agency along the way.

Want to transfer money from your account in bank to another with zero fees? Write a check.

Want to start a business? Expect to write a check along the way.

Want to stay in a hotel in some of the world's most interesting places? Cash or travelers checks. Credit card, if you're lucky, but then with a big fee, and they might not have internet.

The real world isn't all online. It isn't all electronic. It isn't Star Trek.