topic Re: Vanity Cards? in Credit Cards

Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:12:30 GMT

No disrespect meant by any means, but I'm really surprised sometimes while reading through the threads here how important it is for some people to have "beautiful" cards in their wallets. Is it really that important what a card looks like? Dunno about anyone else here, but not even my wife ever looks through my wallet...unless of course I'm handing it to her to make a "withdrawal" for a purchase, and then she just yanks the required cash out (sometimes, to my dismay, handing back with COINS in the bill portion).

Re: Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:19:34 GMT

I think credit cards are made fashionable as many things

People have told me they like the chase sapphire preferred over sapphire because one is like metal and the other is like laminated cardboard although they look the same, and with exception of a few perks like non-US currency purchase fee and cashback bonus..

Likewise some like to get Amex black because its or was more exclusive

Perks are awesome too

I guess it's a fine balance..if you offered me an ugly card with 10% cashback, of course

Otherwise if I had to choose between similar cards, I would take the company behind the card as well as the design into consideration

Re: Vanity Cards?

Revelate — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:21:29 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
No disrespect meant by any means, but I'm really surprised sometimes while reading through the threads here how important it is for some people to have "beautiful" cards in their wallets. Is it really that important what a card looks like? Dunno about anyone else here, but not even my wife ever looks through my wallet...unless of course I'm handing it to her to make a "withdrawal" for a purchase, and then she just yanks the required cash out (sometimes, to my dismay, handing back with COINS in the bill portion).

I think it's an unarguable fact that some folks care what you pay with. 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.

Also in certain environments, there's an expectation of what you pay with. I don't travel in those circles much, but if I did, I'm probably shelling out the near $500 for an Amex Plat or similar.

I'm starting to think it's really no different than one's watch or shoes. As rationally depressing as it is, personally I think it matters.

Re: Vanity Cards?

NonSufficientFunds — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:45:23 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Is it really that important what a card looks like?

Some people like to drive Cadillacs, while others are just as happy with an old reliable Chevy.

There are cards for every personal taste and budget, and there's nothing wrong appreciating beauty in all things (whether its jewelry, clothing, a fine wallet, or even your credit card).

Anything that helps you feel good about yourself, is a worthy investment - regardless of whether anyone else ever sees it.

Re: Vanity Cards?

culture — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:10:12 GMT

@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.

curious if you can elaborate on this....

Re: Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:34:15 GMT

In my opinon, a card can be too flashy and attract unneeded attention. That's why there's certain situations where I will refuse to use a particular card. Especially when it comes to eating out, I don't want dozens of wait staff and others passing my card around. I've witnessed one time when I went out to eat at Outback and out of the corner of my eye I noticed 6-7 staff just passing my card around.

Re: Vanity Cards?

NonSufficientFunds — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:14:23 GMT

If your bank sends you an ugly card - you can dress it up with one of these skins:

http://www.upperbag.com/upper-life-stickers-credit-card,us,3,32.cfm

Re: Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:41:16 GMT

Most places I'd use a card (gas, etc), the person working there doesn't even see it. I swipe it myself lol. I'm a bit odd about bein' a "cash n carry" kinda person though.

Re: Vanity Cards?

frugalQ — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:31:22 GMT

People do watch what card you use in professional circles. I went to lunch with a group of co-workers once and paid for my portion with my Amex Green. One asked me if I was paying with my Corp Amex and if so, it was not wise.

I had to double check my wallet to make sure I didn't pull out the wrong card..scared me half to death. Lol. Now, i double check each time I used my Green out of fear of pulling the wrong card.

I am friends with the person who asked me and we still laugh about it.

People do watch, and if you are trying to make an impression, the card you use matters. I know it sounds vain, but it is reality in some circles.

Re: Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:33:24 GMT

But in what professional circles is an Amex green going to impress anyone?

Re: Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:49:34 GMT

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.

Re: Vanity Cards?

frugalQ — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:49:54 GMT

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.

Re: Vanity Cards?

Repo-ed — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:55:00 GMT

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.

Re: Vanity Cards?

Revelate — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:01:19 GMT

@culture wrote:
@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.

curious if you can elaborate on this....

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.

Re: Vanity Cards?

frugalQ — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:02:28 GMT

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.

Re: Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:07:37 GMT

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.

Re: Vanity Cards?

afbar1114 — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:18:35 GMT

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

Re: Vanity Cards?

frugalQ — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:18:23 GMT

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!!!

Re: Vanity Cards?

Anonymous — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:20:51 GMT

@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.

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.

Re: Vanity Cards?

Revelate — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:21:51 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@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.
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.

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 .