First my cheques are free, and the only time I really use them is when somebody needs by account info on file.
Second I have a chip card and I hate it.
Third, you're right. US telecom blows.
Fourth I hate to break it to you but talent really does flock to the US from europe and elsewhere and many of our greatest scientists and entrepreneurs are from abroad. Hell, Elon Musk is South African. That is the result of an extremely innovation friendly investment community, and the best higher education (UK is a distant second), in the world.