Submissions to the Australian Payments Clearing Association's review of the future of cheques are overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the payment method.So far, most of the submissions are from individuals, who said they preferred cheques to electronic payments, which many consider risky and unreliable, and to credit cards. Lots of people are put off by credit card surcharges. In June, APCA began a public consultation process to look at the future of cheques. Its aim is to make sure that "as cheques become scarcer and more difficult to use, community payment needs continue to be met."Cheque use is in decline. According to the Reserve Bank, their use has fallen by more than 35 per cent in the past four years, although there are still 1.5 million cheque payments made each day in Australia.APCA chief executive Chris Hamilton said no decision had been made to phase cheques out. He said: "No one is talking about closing anything, but, if we discuss the problem now, we can make sure it is dealt with in a sensible, practical and convenient way."Submissions pointed out that the rules for incorporation of small not-for-profit organisations, such as sporting clubs and charities, require two signatures on a cheque for payments.And a large of number of people said their solicitors, doctors and trades-people asked for cheques. Others said their schools and local councils asked for payment by cheque.Many people also argued that cheques provided them with a record of payment. They seemed unaware that receipts are issued with electronic payments.Others pointed out that there was no daily limit on a cheque payment, which made it convenient when large purchases were being made.At this stage only one financial institution has made a submission.