Ok, So What Credit Card Offer Did They Send This Time?


"I'm serious, I got a free hedge trimmer," says Dave, excited as usual. "It's a great one - the one I wanted to get. I can't believe they're giving this away for free," he adds.

" Uh huh. And how did you get this again Dave?"

"I got it from a credit card company. I was tired of the bank I was with and when I saw this credit card offer, I just couldn't say no."

This conversation has taken place several times. I'll get Dave to explain.

History

"Dave?"

"Yeah."

"Didn't you get some other great credit card offers with the last card you applied for?"

"Well, sure. They gave me their winter special - a free electric blanket. That was great too, I am still using it."

"Okay. But are you still using that card?"

"You know the motor on this hedge trimmer is just amazing, it cuts through anything."

"Sure Dave, it sounds great, but are you still using that credit card?"

"No way! You must be crazy. Those guys were starting to charge me for everything. When we moved, they even charged me to have our records updated."

"You're kidding?"

"I'm not, man. They charged me five bucks just to change an address. No way was I staying with them."

"Didn't you have problems with the card before that - incorrect charges or something?"

"Oh yeah, you're right. They said I had spent close to five thousand bucks in Vegas. There is no way I could spend that much and get away with it - you know how Cheryl's is about money."

"But I guess there was a credit card offer with that one too?"

"Yeah, they let me skip payments - up to three times a year, only"

"Only what, Dave?"

"Only they kept charging me interest and, well, it got a bit out of control."

A Wake Up Call

"Hmm.. So let me see if I've got this right, Dave. You're saying you've had three cards, all with a credit card offer that sounded too good to be true, and in the end, it was?"

"Well, yes, if you put it like that."

"You see Dave, you have to be careful. There are a lot of companies out there and they know how to put together an enticing credit card offer. Some may have lower rates or special payment plans and some may even give out cool stuff to lure you in. However, the credit card companies will still get the money out of you one way or another just to pay for the credit card offer."

"Hmm, sounds familiar, what should I do?"

"Well always read the small print or get an expert to help. There are many consumer groups out there who can give you advice about the credit card offer you are interested in. With a little help you can get the credit card offer that is right for you, and it doesn't cost you anything."

"I think I need to talk to those folks about this. I've had it with this credit card offer business."

"I think you do too, Dave, I think you do too."