Phenomenon that came about when
businesses started wanting everything by
check, but not everyone had a
checking account. Basically you go to a
bank/
post office/
convenience store and give them the
money you want to
send, plus a little, and they give you what is basically a non-
personal check.
Also
handy when you're away at
school, have a checking account, but don't have one with any of the
local banks.