Not so long ago, there were no credit cards, and that's how I grew up. Cash on the line, or if you had to borrow it would be from a bank for a home mortgage or a business loan.
I remember the first credit card my mother had, in 1960, for a local department store. Then, there was pride in buying on the store's card, and pride in making the payments.
I remember my first credit card in 1970. Again, for a department store. By then, the credit card industry had become more sophisticated, but, it was no way near what it is today. In a way, these early credit cards served the same purpose as lay-away plans, except that you got to take the merchandise home before you paid for it.
Credit cards, then, were not like what Visa and MasterCard are today. You had a card for a specific store, with no magnetic strip involved, because there was no such technology. It was more like a personal bill of credit with a local merchant.
I don't know where you're coming from with this question, but it's a good one.
I currently dont use credit cards and havnt for years and my bf doesnt believe in credit cards eithor....
Actually, we went for a year without a credit card, and did just fine using our debit cards, only. It made us consider every purchase carefully. We have cards, now, but we are very careful with them.
Have not owned or used one for 7 years and am writing a long and lengthy Hub about it.
Given the use of most items over time, with general consumption, the public accepts it as the 'norm'.
What surprises most folk, is how much they save when they no longer use or even own, a credit card.
Absolutely.... it is funny how we become attached to things and begin to think that we must have them,,,,
Credit cards are evil. Our government keeps bitching about the debt ceiling, but could give a crap less about how much debt has been created by banks charging their cardholders out the ass for interest rates and fees. They are attempting to do something about it, but, they are giving the card companies time to raise their rates in the process, and will not ask them to lower those rates when the new laws take effect.
The Government let the credit card industry get too big, and let it get away with too much. I had a few credit cards, and I am now in debt to only one. I won't ever apply for another one. It is just a huge waste of money. They should all be banned. Banks have become very good at socking their customers with fees, and pretty much stealing their money from under them.
I see us going back to the days of people keeping their money in a safe in the wall, or inside of a mattress. Putting money in the bank just isn't as easy of a decision as it was 40 years ago. The trust is gone.
People have been living centuries without credit cards. All the advancement in technology happened before credit cards were used.
But it is also true to say that credit cards have changed the lives of people. For some they got facilities, others are sinking in debt.
I often use debit card than credit card. I don't want to have a lot of debt and I would rather this was taken from my savings. So, debit card is my choice.
People might actually have to live within their means if credit cards weren't so easy to get. And they'd save on clothing buying because "money" wouldn't burn such big holes in their pockets!
I only started using plastic money (credit/debit/gift cards) less then 10 years ago. Before, I used only cash. I found out that I'm saving more with cards then with cash.
I know that for majority of people things are the other way around but for me is different. When I have cash in my pocket I have money and I tend to spend it faster. For me No cash equals No money.
I've 2 credit cards, one visa and one master which I managed well. I use credit card just for the convenience sake and enjoy the card benefits that offered. To me, if the plastic card is no longer exist, life is as usual for me.
I also grew up without credit cards. I now use a debit card, and also use a credit card-- especially when traveling. It is convenient because it is accepted almost anywhere, and you get a detailed record of your spending.
I never leave a balance; always pay the whole thing each month.
by Gary Anderson 14 years ago
I just wrote a hub on this, but what I want is to have a discussion here. This is the issue: the senate voted on 5/19 to forbid the states from setting caps on interest rates for credit cards. The injustice of this is that the state in which the credit cards are issued, namely South Dakota and...
by sandra rinck 16 years ago
Let me start off with roolllff! Everytime I look at a bill I get sick, everytime I need to bust out a credit card just to make it to the next month I wanna puke. Trying to get along in a busting economy is making me sick. I do need advise, good advise in a couple of areas,...
by Rebecca Graf 15 years ago
What questions would you like to see answered about credit card debt?
by Davinagirl3 13 years ago
My husband and I are looking to buy a house in the upcoming year. We have run into some trouble looking for a lender because our credit is, for lack of a better term, crap! I am looking for ideas on how to raise our scores. We pay our bills on time, so that isn't the...
by Uneducated opinio 12 years ago
Try and refrain from using a credit card for any purchases that are not a necessity. Things want should he paid in full to avoid getting stuck in ungodly amounts of debts. I learned this lesson a little late but I did learn it ha. Try to be smart with your money. Also try to look for coupons online...
by Gous Ahmed 13 years ago
If you pay off credit cards by getting a loan out, aren't you in the same position still?Maybe a loan won't have interest increase like credit cards, but what is the best way to get out of this situation for good?
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