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by turbinepilot 1 view

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I certainly enjoy the security offered by using a credit card but I do miss the anonymity.

Just imagine what would happen if some state?s Attorney General began an investigation into alleged price fixing. He might subpoena the credit card companies for a list of all card holders shopping at Big Store, Inc. Then he might subpoena Big Store for a list of items purchased by the card holders. Before you know it the AG will be able to confirm that Turbinepilot has been buying extra-hefty silk briefs (without fly) in pastel colors with lace trimmings. Granted my fashion sense is scandalous but not criminal.

There should be a way to have ?anonymous credit? by using encryption etc. Maybe I?m just being paranoid but I think I?ll keep using cash for most of my local purchases.

16 replies

by turbinepilot

I've seen cash for briefs moments. Usually it pauses in my bank account for a few days between payday and mortgage day.

I do a fair amount of traveling for business. Carrying large amounts of cash is unwise, some businesses are fussy about traveler's check so a credit card is a must. Besides the company I work for doesn't forward any funds prior to travel; all of my expenses on-the-road must first come from my own savings. The credit card is a great way to use someone else's money until the company issues a reimbursement check a week after my return home.

Mostly I was hoping to spark a discussion about the feasibility of having some type of anonymous credit card.

by dawgit

It would also defeat the purpose. (with an "anonymous credit card") Since, the true purpose of the modern 'Card' (example: charge-card; credit-card; bank-card.) is to track us. Now, this in it's self is not always a bad thing, (as in: "I was there" and "I did that" and "It did cost that much") it does, now leave a lot to abuse.

by w2ktechman

for about 80% of my purchases. A holdover from when I was broke and couldnt get a credit card. I actually prefer it this way, I talk myself out of buying a lot of stuff.

by mjd420nova

I have to pay cash. I don't want any credit cards, I get pre-approved applications daily, but they get shredded right away. I used to have credit cards, but after 15 years, four children and $30,000. in debt, I cut them all up and paid off the bills. Anonymous was not the intention, but actually a side benefit.

by tig2

Is when I am likely to get a credit card of any kind whatsoever. I have a "pay as you go" card that is nice and disposable and only ever has the $$$ I need to make an online purchase. It doesn't even have my name on it and that is fine by me.

I have learned by ID theft that Mulder is right- Trust No One.

by w2ktechman

that I recommend for online purchasing. A card to pay into before use. That can seriously limit damages.

Another is a service like PayPal, so only 1 place has your info, and is accepted all over the web.

Keep it safe, after all You worked for that money, You should be the one to spend it, right?

by turbinepilot

The pay-as-you-go card sounds interesting but I travel several times a years on business. It seems that the rental car companies are especially fussy about renters without "credit" cards. What has been your experience in this regard?

by tig2

But have always found a workaround.

If the company wants me to travel, they need to provide me with a corporate card. This takes care of rental agencies but I have also done voucher pre-approval.

There is always a way around the ubiquitous credit card. I have a right (so far) to choose to manage in cash. All having a bank account ever did for me was insure that my losses were greater than they would have been if I was managing to a cash only standard when my identity was stolen.

by rbfowler0915

Anonymous purchaces can be made by using gift cards. Sure, Target and Circuit City have them, but you can also get them from banks. Instead of cash, have several cards of $20, $50, $100, or whatever (not in your wallet at the same time!) and you have the convenience of credit and debit cards with the benefits of anonimity.

by w2ktechman

New thefts have been happening with these. They sit on display at the store, some people are copying ranges of #'s on them.
Then they call and check when they have been activated and use them online
then, after Christmas, when you use it, it is spent for you.

by Former member

What would be cool is a card which you could transfer cash to, either from your bank accout or a credit card. Then you could swipe it at stores. It would require no personal information, as it would literally be cash on a card. Guess the problem with that idea is that someone sooner or later would hack whatever crypto you used to secure the service, and then start loading their card up with pretend money...

by Former member

I have a similar card specifically for medical spending. Sort of a visa/debit card, if you will.

What I was suggesting was a "non-online" solution. With the cards you are referring to, it is still treated as - and processed like - a credit card from the storefront perspective. They go online to card verification services, get approval and post the transaction, still leaving the information trail.

What I am talking about is a card, to which you 'upload cash', at that point it is no different than dollars and change in your pocket, save it takes up less space, and you don't have to count coins or wait for them to be counted (in instant swipe-and-go, if you will). The card would have no identity information, it would mearely be a vessel for storing currency. (unrealistic, I know).

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