I was thinking that, but then it would require my 86-year-old mother to log in and check the balance, which is something she might not be able to do. So I figured that if I wrote her a check, she cashes it in her own bank, where she is used to checking that balance, as opposed to having her try to create a new online account with that new mastercard or something. Her eyesight is going, so for her to even read the card and call in would be tough for her as well. She is the one that suggested the gift card to me because she said it is hard for her to get a ride to the bank from one of her (adult) grandchildren.