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The Reality of Credit Cards

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GomerPyle
Regular Contributor

The Reality of Credit Cards

 

After playing the game for many years I wanted to share my thoughts about credit cards.


All of the credit cards in my wallet belong to their respective issuers. I am allowed to use them but I do not own them. The credit lines associated with that plastic also do not belong to me. It is not my money. That money I assume belongs to depositors in those institutions. Therefore I do not care nor am I distressed when card issuers do funky things with their cards.  They can do whatever they want to do. There are two things that belong to me in regards to credit cards. One is the accumulated debt that they incur. Yes, the debt is mine. It is all mine. Therefore, I pay my credit cards in full so that I do not own the debt. The other thing that I own are the rewards. I redeem the rewards regularly before the card companies change their minds and steal the rewards. I absolutely do not trust them now or ever.
Credit is a game and it pays to know the rules. I play the game so that I will always win. I hate to lose. It pays to pay attention because everything in this game is stacked against the card holder. Large print giveth but fine print taketh away. There is no lender on earth that has your best interest at heart. They are all ruthless and care only about being repaid and thereby guaranteeing they make a profit. In reality, you are an account number and not even a real person to them. Be careful as you play this game because there are always sharks in the water ready to feast on you. Borrowing money is a stupid pathway to being in debt.  Some would call me pessimistic. I prefer realistic.  Cards are a blessing or they are a curse.  You get to choose.

 

Message 1 of 16
15 REPLIES 15
UpperNwGuy
Valued Contributor

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards

Very wise observations, and I thank you for sharing them.  Too many people on this board "love" their credit cards and the credit card issuers, and that's a mistake.  Always be suspicious, and keep expectations low.  When things go well, it will be a pleasant surprise.  When things go poorly, it won't be a surprise.

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Message 2 of 16
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards

So true... couldn't have said it any better.

Message 3 of 16
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards

So much wisdom in two paragraphs. Great job!

Message 4 of 16
NRB525
Super Contributor

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards

Darkness...Darnkess everywhere.... Smiley Wink

Some very good points, OP. The thing is, as long as we are able to pay for the purchases, the bank is happy to be the payment processor. Shopping banks for the best loan rates, and avoiding the typical purchase APR is a good idea.

But what a lot of us are doing is using the banks competing against each other, to find the best rewards. The banks probably look at us as ungrateful wretches for not using their 1% “rewards” credit card exclusively.
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Message 5 of 16
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards


@NRB525 wrote:
Darkness...Darnkess everywhere.... Smiley Wink

Some very good points, OP. The thing is, as long as we are able to pay for the purchases, the bank is happy to be the payment processor. Shopping banks for the best loan rates, and avoiding the typical purchase APR is a good idea.

But what a lot of us are doing is using the banks competing against each other, to find the best rewards. The banks probably look at us as ungrateful wretches for not using their 1% “rewards” credit card exclusively.

There isn't really a probably about it. Chase's 5/24 says it all.

Message 6 of 16
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards


@GomerPyle wrote:

 

After playing the game for many years I wanted to share my thoughts about credit cards.


All of the credit cards in my wallet belong to their respective issuers. I am allowed to use them but I do not own them. The credit lines associated with that plastic also do not belong to me. It is not my money. That money I assume belongs to depositors in those institutions. Therefore I do not care nor am I distressed when card issuers do funky things with their cards.  They can do whatever they want to do. There are two things that belong to me in regards to credit cards. One is the accumulated debt that they incur. Yes, the debt is mine. It is all mine. Therefore, I pay my credit cards in full so that I do not own the debt. The other thing that I own are the rewards. I redeem the rewards regularly before the card companies change their minds and steal the rewards. I absolutely do not trust them now or ever.
Credit is a game and it pays to know the rules. I play the game so that I will always win. I hate to lose. It pays to pay attention because everything in this game is stacked against the card holder. Large print giveth but fine print taketh away. There is no lender on earth that has your best interest at heart. They are all ruthless and care only about being repaid and thereby guaranteeing they make a profit. In reality, you are an account number and not even a real person to them. Be careful as you play this game because there are always sharks in the water ready to feast on you. Borrowing money is a stupid pathway to being in debt.  Some would call me pessimistic. I prefer realistic.  Cards are a blessing or they are a curse.  You get to choose.

 


Excellent post OP!

I have just highlighted the parts I liked.

Message 7 of 16
Berk
Established Contributor

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards

You mean Amex really doesn't like me? Smiley Sad

 

Been saying the same thing for years on these forums. It truly does amaze me that people think any different.

Message 8 of 16
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards

What, this can't be.
The letter from my bank thanked me for being a "valued customer", then went on to say congratulations on "your" new credit card.
Message 9 of 16
bourgogne
Valued Contributor

Re: The Reality of Credit Cards

good post but a minor caveat, you don't always own the rewards.  see the fine print re amex lol

Message 10 of 16
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