I think it depends on your definition of "future". Remember when ATM/Debit cards first came out? There were very few ATM machines and even fewer vendors that could process them as a debit. Now almost every merchant can work with them, even the vendors at the Farmer's Market, and there are ATM machines on just about every corner. As for checks - We're still using the check refill order that I recieved about ten years ago. The last, and about the only, check I wrote was for my dentist and that was only because I got a 5% discount for doing it. One can even purchase (actually it might be free) a plugin dongle for your iPhone or Andriod phone that will allow you to swipe credit/debit cards. Direct transfer via bluetooth will be next, if its not already here.

What I'm waiting for is the flying cars we were promised. I know there are a couple out there but they're lacking in performance and very expensive.

And, where are the friggin' sharks with laser beams!