That’s one question I’m often asked. I generally reply, “What I don’t understand is why doesn’t everyone collect them?” Here are reasons why people do collect credit cards.
1) There is no financial risk. The majority of credit cards are free, such as airlines, department stores, gasoline companies, jewellery stores and many others.
2) This is something anyone can start, no matter how small their budget. Again, the majority of credit cards are free.
3) Little effort is required to start a credit card collection. There is no effort involved to become a credit card collector. Anyone could and should start. It’s as easy as when your cards expire, don’t destroy them. Simply save them.
4) There is a small collector base which allows for future growth. Credit card collecting, at the present time, is a “ground floor” opportunity. Your friends, that you introduce to the hobby, can thank you later.
5) This is an item that is now in the hands of millions of potential collectors. In the United States alone there are over 100,000,000 people who have credit cards!
6) Credit cards are small and portable and can be easily hidden or stored. An entire credit card collection can be inexpensively kept in a safe deposit box.
7) Easy grading. No grading problems with credit cards. They all come from the issuing company in pristine condition. You don’t have to worry about counterfeits either. This is the only collector item I know of where the beginner is not in a precarious position because of their lack of grading skill.
8) Credit cards can become valuable. Credit cards have historical significance. We live in the age of “Easy Credit” and “Plastic Money”. They also have artistic merit. And don’t forget, credit cards are only available in limited quantities. Try calling an issuing company and say, “Send me 20 more cards.” See what response you get. It’s not like numerous hobbies where your only limitation is, “How much do you want to spend?” Also remember, there aren’t giant hoards of credit cards put away. When cards expire, they are generally destroyed, thus creating a true rarity!
I’ve left out some reasons such as pride of ownership, personal satisfaction and just plain fun. Those reasons are discovered once you start collecting.
Copyright 1986 by Greg Tunks
