Credit cards are wonderful — enjoy now, pay later.
If you know how to use them, of course.
They’ve helped us buy things we love, book last-minute flights, and take unforgettable trips.
You probably remember that adventure to Machu Picchu, Saqsaywaman, or the Sacred Valley...
You swiped your card and thought, “Meh, I’ll pay it off later. Life’s too short.”
And hey — that’s part of the magic.
But have you ever wondered who else is enjoying that swipe as much as you are?
First — What is a Credit Card and Why Do We Use It?
A credit card is a payment tool that lets you borrow money from your bank (up to a certain limit) to pay for things. Instead of the money leaving your account right away (like a debit card), your bank pays first, and then sends you the bill later.
Why people love them:
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Instant access to funds
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Rewards and perks (cashback, travel miles, insurance)
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Great for emergencies
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Builds credit history
Sounds like a win-win, right? Well… not always.
Now — What’s the Problem?
Let’s walk through a real-life situation:
You spill coffee all over your laptop.
It’s toast. You need a replacement ASAP for work, school, or your crypto side hustle.
You don’t have enough in your checking account, but you do have room on your credit card. You head to the electronics store, pick a $1,000 laptop, and swipe.
You plan to pay it off in full next month, so you won’t owe any interest. Smart move.
But behind that transaction, something interesting (and a bit frustrating) happens.
Who Gets Paid from Your Purchase?
You paid $1,000 — but the merchant doesn’t get the full amount.
Here's how it breaks down:
💡 Even if you pay back the full amount next month and the bank earns zero interest from you, they have already made $21.50 just for letting you borrow.
Why It Matters
For you, it may seem like nothing changed. You got your laptop. The store made the sale.
But for small businesses, these transaction fees add up fast. Some even avoid accepting certain cards (like American Express) or don’t accept cards at all — not because they’re old school, but because they simply can’t afford the fees.
It’s part of the reason why in some places, you’ll see signs that say:
“Minimum $10 for card payments” or “Cash only, sorry!”
Be a Conscious Swiper
So next time you swipe and think,
“No worries — I’ll pay it off next month, they won’t earn a dime from me…”
Just remember:
Someone is still paying the price.
And it’s usually the small merchant who served you.
The system is designed so the bank wins — whether you pay interest or not.
Knowing that doesn’t mean stop using your card.
It just means… use it with eyes wide open.
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✍️ Written by El Salvador CopyBiker — Crypto Content Specialist.
Helping your audience actually understand your Web3 product (no PhD required).
💬 DM me on Telegram: t.me/Elsalvadorcopybiker369
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