Vanity Cards?

[BlueNightStar]

I am probably one of the least swayed by status symbols person I know. I was totally taken back by one of my coworkers who happened by while I was going through my purse and had taken out my wallet. He noticed the Zync card immediately and asked me to pull it out so he could see it. I thought it was kind of funny because I've never inspired credit envy in anyone (that I know of). I proceeded to pull out all of my cards so he could see them which led to a lengthy conversation with someone who never really seemed that interested in anything I had to say prior to seeing my CCs . He and I now talk finances all the time and have become good friends.

[frugalQ]

I was just having lunch with a group of coworkers and using my everyday card....and could care less if they were impressed or not.

I'm just making the point that in some circles, people watch which card you pay with.

If someone is trying to make an impression, the card you use will probably matter.

[Repo-ed]

I get comments anytime catches a glimpse of the 5 Amex cards in my wallet, or if I pull out the PRG or Zync.  People WANT Amex - whether they can or not, or want to admit it or not.

It's "status", and people want the feeling it comes with.

[Revelate]

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@culture wrote:

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@Revelate wrote:

.  I get markedly different responses when I use an Amex vs. my Freedom; it's across too many data points to be coincidence, and my dress is boringly similar in virtually all cases.  It's not a pink shirt phenomenon.

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curious if you can elaborate on this....

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I wind up eating out all the time so the bulk of my data points are restaurants; however, I've seen different responses both from people I'm eating with, and the restaurant staff depending on which card I use.  Amex appears to carry more weight with virtually everyone, regardless of whether I pull out my BCP or now near defunct Zync.  The Zync wins that hands down, though I was watching White Collar season 1 recently and noticed Neil had an Amex Blue something or other: it's a stylish show and I suspect they didn't pick the card at random with literally any to choose from.

When I put down an Amex, I often get a second look by the wait staff.   Similar happens with the various folks I wind up eating lunch with (my employment since everyone has strange daily schedules, often wind up going out with semi-random people... one of the few social benefits of my employment inside the workplace).  

Chase, BOFA, and any of the tradeline farming cards when they get trotted out, they're just other cards based on people's lack of reaction.

Re: pink shirt - occasionally I'll wear one, and I'm markedly more noticible by the fairer gender.  In this instance I mean I wasn't dressed any better or worse than typical, my usual bland self rather than tossing in something to purposely get me noticed.

Sadly, it's enough that if I'm having a fustruating day, I'll sometimes use the Zync instead of my 5% Freedom just looking for that little pick me up of being noticed since I blend into the background otherwise.

[frugalQ]

Bluenightstar, I'm like you. For years I only used my debit card, and, I never envied anyone else's cards.

Unfortunately, there are groups of people who look at you a certain way when you pull out certain cards.

[drkaje]

Some do notice but I only care about the BCP's 6% cashback on groceries.

If they put "Hello Kitty" on the card, I'd still use it.

[afbar1114]

I use my CSP if I am paying for a cute date just to see what they say sometimes they look at the card then me because they don't believe I have it. I sometimes use my Zync when I had it but now that its the gold card I haven't really used it yet. But wait staff are the ones who I find make the most comments. I work in retail so sometimes Ill swipe the card if the customer doesn't know how too. I held a black Amex once and it was really heavy. Almost felt rock like. It was a matte finish not glossy. I rarely see a Amex plat. Gold is the most common

--Minor edit, CareBear Rev

[frugalQ]

Hello Kitty...rofl! That's my daughter's favorite character!

I will say that I do not like the look of the BCP...not feeling the clear look. But, I pull it out every time I go to grocery store and gas station!!!

[BlueNightStar]

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@frugalQ wrote:
Bluenightstar, I'm like you. For years I only used my debit card, and, I never envied anyone else's cards.

Unfortunately, there are groups of people who look at you a certain way when you pull out certain cards.

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Yes, it's the reality. I, however, am more interested in what kind of person someone is and a CC is not really going to be a determining factor in that decision for me.

[Revelate]

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@BlueNightStar wrote:

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@frugalQ wrote:
Bluenightstar, I'm like you. For years I only used my debit card, and, I never envied anyone else's cards.

Unfortunately, there are groups of people who look at you a certain way when you pull out certain cards.

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Yes, it's the reality. I, however, am more interested in what kind of person someone is and a CC is not really going to be a determining factor in that decision for me.

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If you never notice the person in the first place...

I'm not above stupid tricks to catch someone's attention even for a fleeting moment .