Yeah and I do use autopay for some very predictable things like utilities. I'm not totally comfortable with giving someone access to draw from my checking account whatever amount they claim I owe, but realistically these days a paper check becomes an ACH payment so I figure there are non-zero chances for error that just cannot be easily avoided.

Well a check is authorization to withdraw a specific amount (which you can verify is reasonable) after a specific time (which you can verify the funds will be good).

But the information on a check is sufficient for anyone to initiate an electronic funds transfer from your account.

I highly recommend setting up autopay via your banks bill pay system. Less organizations having your account info is a good thing, and it’s super convenient for bill tracking.