The usage of checks has declined sharply in the United States, but people are still using them for big purchases. In 2000, there were 42.6 billion checks written, good for 150 checks per American, with a total value of $40.3 trillion, indicating a typical check being for an amount less than $1,000. By 2024, there were only 9.2 billion checks written, only about 27 checks per person on average, but the total value was still rather high at $24.5 trillion, indicating the average check was for about $2,600. There may be change on the horizon, as the Federal Reserve is considering leaving the check processing business, which presents a possible phase-out moment for checks.
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