I don't mean to cause offense, but you really need to be more financially aware. Your credit card knowledge is seriously lacking. Credit cards don't have to cost you any more than what you've charged, and most will have perks that will actually save you some bucks. We usually get back around $300/year from our credit cards with no "fees, fines, and surcharges". You generally are paying the same as people who pay with a CC, why not take advantage of it?
And forged/kited checks were very common before CC's came along. Which is why many places don't take them. They just aren't secure, and they aren't free either.