I’m standing in line at my local Target store the other day and there was a mother and daughter in front of me getting ready to pay for their items. As the clerk scanned the last item he politely ask the mother if she would like to save 10% by opening up a Target credit card…
“I’m not sure if I’ll get approved, but you can try” the mom said.
“Great” said the sales associate. “Just enter your social security number here and let me see your driver’s license.”
“No problem” the mom said.
A minute or so went by while the mom’s application was being reviewed in cyberspace somewhere. By now there were a few more people in line behind me; each patiently waiting to pay for their items so they could get on with their lives.
“I’m sorry ma’am” said the sales associate. “There seems to be a problem with your application, perhaps you should try again at another time.”
“Figures!” the mom said. “The way things are going right now, I didn’t think I stood much of a chance anyway”.
Next thing I knew the daughter (whom I assumed was maybe 18) told her mother that she would like to try.
“But honey, you don’t even have a job” the mom said in a matter of factly tone.
“You know ma’am, it may not be a bad idea” the sales associate said. “It might be a great opportunity for her to build up her credit file”.
I noticed that a few customers in line behind me had picked up on what was transpiring, one gentleman was rolling his eyes, and an older lady behind him had began tapping her foot impatiently.
“OK ma’am, I’ll need you to enter your social security number now and see your driver’s license”.
Another minute or so went by and then suddenly the tape register starting spewing out details of the transaction.
“Congratulations! You’re approved!” the cashier said enthusiastically.
“Oh my god! Are you serious?” the daughter said in a shrieking voice. “I have my own credit card?!”
“Yes ma’am, you will be getting your very own Target credit card very soon, and in the meantime you can use this receipt here for any additional Target purchases until your card arrives”
The daughter proceeded to jump around like a 5 year old girl who had just been given a pony for her birthday!
“I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it!” the daughter kept repeating.
To me her reaction was a testament to the marketing hype credit cards companies have been promoting for years. These companies want you to believe that you are nothing if you don’t have a credit card and that being approved for one is confirmation that you have “arrived”.
Seeing that moment in person reminded me of when I got my first credit card my freshman year in college. I hope the young lady has the ability to keep her spending under control and doesn’t begin to accumulate an enormous amount of personal debt like I did.
I have since been able to keep my credit card use under control and with any luck this young lady will too. However, judging by the initial reaction to her application’s acceptance, I have a feeling she will be learning a few lessons about financial responsibility the hard way!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Good story Ben…. its a sad one and it speaks volumes to our credit culture. I really apprecaite you sharing this episode with us.
It figures.
In America, you may not have money to eat, but you’ve gotta have that 62 inch plasma.
It really was sad seeing it unfold. I wanted so badly to chime in with my own 2 cents but I thought better of it.
Who knows, maybe there was more to the story that i wasn’t privy to and here I am making sweeping judgements of people.
I hope that I am wrong on this one!
That story just made me sick. How much do you want to bet that they took the stuff out to their car and came back in to buy more stuff? If the mother could not get a card that tells me that she has a lot of debt problems. Do you think she will teach her daughter how to properly use the card? I think not.
People like that are a good part of the reason why we’re in such a bind right now. Using money they don’t have to buy things they can’t afford. ugh.
you forgot the “…to impress people they don’t like!” part!
It would be interesting to see where the economy would be right now had credit lending standards been tighter.
just another person the credit companys can bleed! the mother has more than likely used her credit & now is having problems paying her bills! the reason why she didn’t qualify for the card? credit companys are like that . they get you to spend & then they increase the limits. then when there is a problem you really pay through the nose trying to pay the bill! God forbid if your late . late charges are really the killer!everything compounds & you pay more & more & never see the end of the tunnel. i hope the mother really shows her daughter how fast you can really get in trouble. i know been there & still trying to pay off the credit companys
Interesting story, thanks for sharing. Reminding me of my sister who got problems with her financial credit payment. She hardly couldn’t manage her credit card let alone she has a ‘one and the same’ kind husband..
Yos, I hear what your saying. Like minds do attract! Unfortunately in your sister’s situation, the attraction is fatal (financially!!)!