FIRE Emergency

[Master Shake]

Re: FIRE Emergency

Take a step back and look at the big picture. How has the lender (and shareholder in that company) made money with you as a customer?

Not-so prudent borrowers that don't pay off their balance at the end of each month but that aren't deadbeats, all retailers that accept credit cards and anyone that pays with cash (accept at some gas stations) have been "getting the shaft" and subsidizing your actions all along.

So while it's technically true that no one is forced to apply for or use a credit card, there is a symbiotic relationship going on and you wouldn't have realized those great financing deals without the no-so prudent.

If you pay no interest on the money borrowed each month, than the only chance for the credit card lender (and shareholder) to make money off of you is on the 2.5% fee on every transaction that they get from retailers.

That, plus the money they make off the imprudent/irresponsible/stupid who carry a balance. I have no problems with that arrangement.

Similarly, whenever I bought a car (always used, only suckers buy new), I did my homework and got the best deal possible. I'm sure my good deal was subsidized in part by all the stupid people who bought new cars and paid list plus rustproofing, etc.

[Master Shake]

Re: FIRE Emergency

No. But try booking a hotel room or renting a car without one...

Debit cards work, too. Plus you can use the card to book and pay in cash.

[GRG55]

Re: FIRE Emergency

Debit cards work, too...

That might be true in the USA, but not in many of the places I travel to, unfortunately...

[Master Shake]

Re: FIRE Emergency

That might be true in the USA, but not in many of the places I travel to, unfortunately...

So, maybe we need to codify a right to have a credit card.:rolleyes:

[flintlock]

Re: FIRE Emergency

This is ignored in many countries. Here in Thailand, when I go into the travel agent to buy a ticket, there is a sign saying add 3% if you're paying by credit card. ATM limit is now 80,00 baht per day or roughly 2,300 dollars. For big purchases, Everyone hauls around big stacks of cash.

They ignore it here in the states also at smaller stores. I was looking at buying a rifle online. The ad clearly stated, " add 3% for CC purchases". Not supposed to do that, but they do it anyway.

[roxtar]

Re: FIRE Emergency

So, maybe we need to codify a right to have a credit card.:rolleyes:

That's next. Right after a "right" to health care will come the "right" to a credit card.

[ThePythonicCow]

Re: FIRE Emergency

80,00 baht per day or roughly 2,300 dollars

Do you mean eight thousand baht, which would be two hundred plus dollars, or do you mean eighty thousand baht, which is two thousand plus dollars?

(A baht is currently about 3/100 of a US Dollar, which is pleasantly close to what I recall it being in the 1970's, at about 5/100 of a US Dollar, aka a "nickel".)

(My guess is you meant to type 80,000 baht . Dang - that's a higher limit that I've seen on Las Vegas Casino ATM's .)