i was reading how everyone keeps saying that google only send checks, but I see an option for direct bank transfer !? how long has this method of payment been available ?
EFT is available to USA publishers. you can change your payment method if you wish. check to see how much your bank will charge in fees. different banks have different charges. sometimes it may not be the best payment option for publishers getting $100 payment. if you are making a decent amount, then you will not mind paying a little transaction fees.
I'm pretty sure it's always been available to US publishers. It's also currently available in most (if not all) of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, etc. I believe only large country which can only receive payment by check (and not EFT or Western Union) is India. As for EFT I think it's by far the best way to get payment - you get paid faster, and don't have to worry about the check getting lost in the mail. My bank doesn't change any fees, so if yours does, you might shop around for a different bank to set up an account.
If you live in California, the question is strange. I have always used direct deposit, 3+ years. I live in CA, USA. Your question should have been the opposite. Why would people think they only send checks? They've had transfers to US bank accounts a long time. I assumed most people in USA get direct deposit. Stephen C
Not true. Google offers EFT in something like 30 different countries - North America, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and parts of Asia. See this link: https://www.google.com/support/adsense/bin/answer.py?answer=15827