This thread has a bit too much age to it (typing very quickly to try to get ahead if it being locked down for necroposting :p ). But for those not averse to using mods, NRaas StoryProgression has an Automatic Active Billing option that causes the active household to pay their bills by automatic debit instead of writing checks at the mailbox. (SP Money add-on module required).
The downside is that the player cannot then postpone the bill payments if cash flow is a bit tight and they would rather wait for the next payday or sale of something valuable that their sims are still creating to roll around.
