In most wealthy countries, even cash-obsessed Germany, such transactions are done by bank-to-bank transfer, direct debit or, at a minimum, by cheque.

ECONOMIST: Direct debit

Without direct debit from bank accounts or credit cards, paying a monthly mobile bill is a chore.

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These accounts give their holders access to a direct debit facility and bank ATMs but do not come with an overdraft facility.

BBC: A cheque being written

You can either set up direct deposit into a bank account or have the money loaded onto a prepaid debit card, called Direct Express, says Mr. Henderson.

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At the bottom of some piece of paper to sign and fill in and that goes back to the company concerned who in turn passes it on to my bank, who in turn sets up the direct debit arrangement.

BBC

Ally Bank and ING Direct both offer fee-free checking accounts and debit cards.

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Instead of asking the public for a one-off donation (as what may have happened previously with door to door charity collectors or events such as telethons) collectors try and get people to sign up to a direct debit scheme where monies are deducted from their bank accounts each month.

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The Social Security Administration has a program called Direct Express, a debit card that can be used for purchases and cash withdrawals without a bank account.

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