Heads up. I found the following announcement hidden on the last page of my latest statement.

"When you pay your bill by check, you authorize us to electronically process your payment. If the check is processed electronically, your checking account may be debited on the same day we receive the check and it will not be returned with your checking account statement. If someone other than you or a bill-paying service pays this bill, you must give a copy of this notice to them before the payment is sent to us. If you do not want your payment processed electronically, please notify us at least seven days before making the payment by calling us at 800-2-Diners (800-234-6377)"

The agent I spoke to called this a revenue enhancement. I told her that if they did not return the checks, they could immediately cancel the card. I also explained that this is not good business since Diners is predominately a business card. This along with the fee increase, conversion charge and similar changes makes one wonder as to the worth of the Diners Club Card. It certainly has limited U.S. acceptance.

Small businesses such as mine require the checks for reconciliation and for dispute resolution. Without the check, in our present imperfect world, with processing done by third world personnel located in outsourced locations, it can be difficult to impossible to resolve payment issues. At least with a copy of a paid check one has a chance.

My experience with the IRS is that the check is the best documentation for expenses in event of an audit.

I explained that it is unreasonable to opt out on a monthly basis and the account should be annotated to return all checks. She agreed-we shall see if it happens.