Do You Want Cash Back? Are You Sure?

Topic: Credit Cards | Comments(11)

Over time I have really started to despise Visa commercials. The particularly low ones are the “Life Takes Visa” spots which depicts a series of smooth Visa transactions which come to a screeching halt when some supposed Neanderthal uses cash, or heaven-forbid, writes a check. What makes the commercials particularly comical is that I have never been behind a speedy person in line swiping their Visa credit or debit card. Maybe it’s those idiotic POS terminals that throw a wrench into the wheels of commerce.

  1. Enter Your Pin Number. Not too difficult, assuming I can remember it since I’m told to never write it down, never disclose it to anyone, and guard it closer than a top secret classified document. I used to get cute and covert the numbers to letters and build a word, until I couldn’t remember the word plus the 17 passwords I have to remember at work.
  2. Do You Want Cash Back? No. I don’t want cash back. If I did I would visit an ATM machine or a bank. If I am swiping $97 worth of groceries chances are I don’t want to grab another $40 out of my checking account. Has anyone actually done a study to determine how many people get cash back from a pack of chewing gum? Sad thing is they are probably swiping a Visa card because they didn’t have $1.06 in cash to pay for the gum in the first place.
  3. Is the Amount Correct? You’re asking me if the amount is correct? As if I would question the computational power of today’s point-of-sale terminal? I always want to scuttle the whole process here and select “No.” When questioned I ask to speak to a manager and ask how many decimals the calculations are carried. If it is less than seven I launch into a five minute dissertation on the phenomenon of minute computational errors costing consumers billions in rounded up charges. For some reason I just haven’t had the guts to try this one.
  4. Are You Sure? Oh get on with it, my ice cream is melting! Yes, I’m sure, for the third time! Just deduct the $97 from my checking account as swiftly as you do in those commercials and we can move along.
  5. Waiting for Cashier. Am I on candid camera? What does the cashier have to do with this transaction? After all, she has been validating my coupons throughout this whole process and now we are dependent on her to hit an “OK” key to finalize things?
  6. Incorrect PIN. I need a drink.

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11 comments and counting

  1. 1. Patrick on February 18th, 2008

    Actually, I used to get cash back all the time because I did not have a local bank. This way, I could avoid paying those outrageous ATM fees. I would actually go to Wal-Mart to buy a pack of gum and get $40 back. The gum cost less than the ATM fees would have, and I got a pack of gum out of the deal. ;)

  2. 2. Ron@TheWisdomJournal on February 18th, 2008

    Okay, now this is funny. Here I am in an internet cafe in New Orleans and everyone is looking at me wondering why I’m laughing OUT LOUD!!!

    Great post :)

  3. 3. Jeff@My Super-Charged Life on February 18th, 2008

    I can’t stand these Visa commercials! They must have no scruples whatsoever to imply that paying with cash is somehow less savvy than using a credit card. It is ridiculous the level these companies will stoop to for their profit.

  4. 4. MasterYourCard on February 18th, 2008

    This is a little pathetic, but back in college the only atm in walking distance used to charge some outrageous fee, like $5 or so, regardless of how much money took out.

    So my friends and I would head over to the 24 hour McDonalds across the road, buy a chocolate flake for 30 cents, and get $20 cash out.

    Being asked if you want cash back isn’t ALWAYS a bad thing :)

    Jonathan
    Not having to worry about credit card debt ever again: Priceless.

  5. 5. S.B. on February 18th, 2008

    I am with you on this one – I hate those Visa commercials.

    The only other commercial I hate more are the Mac ones with the cool Mac guy and the nerdy PC user.

    I like paying for things with cash and I like my PC!

  6. 6. TIm on February 18th, 2008

    I also use cash back all the time as its easier to get cash when I’m already getting something else, rather than make a separate trip to an ATM.

    I will say, bring your card to McDonalds…It does work like in the commercials. Swipe your card and your done, no questions at all. Not sure why Mickey D’s can do it and all these other vendors can’t…I do get annoyed with all the questions: “Are you sure?” YES…”Are you sure that you’re sure?” AHH!

    Tim

  7. 7. Carolyn B. on February 18th, 2008

    AMEN! I get annoyed at those commercials too. I’m way more careful with my money anyway when I write checks. :o )

  8. 8. Becky@FamilyandFinances on February 19th, 2008

    I’m with everyone else – those commercials are soooo annoying! I’d say about 80% of the time, cash is faster than a credit/debit card.

  9. 9. Amy on February 19th, 2008

    Ha! I hate those commercials too- nice message that they are delivering to the American public.

    Thanks for making me laugh- I needed that today!

  10. 10. SUE on February 19th, 2008

    Been there done that! I know exactly what you mean.
    Thanks for making my day. Funny!

  11. 11. Credit Card Carnival: 2nd Edition | InvestorBlogger on March 13th, 2008

    [...] presents Do You Want Cash Back? Are You Sure? posted at The Frugal [...]

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