Bank clients are moving away from the traditional method of payment, cheques, in favour of cheaper and more efficient methods of conducting their finances, such as electronic banking, smart cards and debit cards.
Luigi Magnelli, assistant general manager of cheque accounts at Absa, says cheques have become an expensive method of payment.
Cheque fees are structured in such a way that cheques written out for smaller amounts are more expensive than cheques for larger amounts.
"It is not in the interest of the customers or the banks to have lots of cheques for small amounts around the system," he says.
His advice to you is to minimise your use of cheques for making smaller payments, for example, for amounts under R100.
Using your ATM card for debit transactions and making electronic account payments is more convenient and safer than cheques which can be forged or stolen.
You do not have to change your account to make use of debit card and electronic card transactions.
Before you can make electronic payments, you must go to your branch with a statement from the organisation or person that you wish to pay. The bank will set up the link and then you can make a payment at one of your bank's ATMs, or by phoning your bank.
If you want to use your bank card as a debit card, find out from the merchants and petrol stations that you frequent whether they will accept an ATM card from your bank.
If they do, all you need to do present your ATM card to them and they will swipe it through a machine. You will be asked what type of account you hold and you will have to input your personal identification number (pin). The amount of your purchase will be deducted directly from your bank account and you won't run the risk of carrying large amounts of cash.
Some people, especially from the older generations, are intimidated by these procedures, but the easiest way to get to grips with these payment methods is to use them.
"Once you have done so a few times you realise it is a lot simpler, more convenient and often cheaper than you thought," Magnelli says.
Most of the big banks also offer their high-income clients special packages with slightly lower fee structures.
It is a good idea to check whether your bank offers any packaged accounts, where you pay a fixed monthly fee and receive several other services free.
For example, Standard Bank offers a Classic Plus Option with free cash withdrawals, electronic account payments, inter-account transfers and 10 free cheques for R43 a month.