PBS: SECRET HISTORY OF THE CREDIT CARD

[DocDon 388]

I finally watched this program. I encourage EVERYONE on this site to do the same. There were topics discussed and information divulged that has never been discussed on this, or other sites.

One interesting topic discussed was the OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency), a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury, and their role in consumer protection. More specifically, their jurisdiction over State Attorneys General with regard to consumer complaints and actions against credit card issuers. The OCC claims jurisdiction (citing the case against Providian), and in fact, welcomes complaints from consumers.

So.... here's the link to the OCC: http://www.occ.treas.gov/customer.htm

You can purchase the DVD from www.pbs.org, or you can now watch the entire program online:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/credit/view/

Be advised that due to heavy traffic, you may have to try at a later time to watch the program online.

Pay special attention to the sections "Credit Reporting Agencies / Traps in the Fine Print" and "More Complaints Than Any Other Industry".

Some of the information may surprise you (as it did me). It will give you better insight into our behavior with plastic, and help you understand how the system works (often not in our favor).

[Radio_Guy 10]

Thanks DocDon,

I buying it right now...

Here's the direct link for the DVD...

http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=1889877

[LuuCkyJaa 10]

And here's the link to watch it online:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/credit/

Regards,

James from the Bronx

[Alexander 31]

Even though the OCC has jurisdiction I think that standard procedure when dealing with a bank that is misbehaving is to file complaints with the States Attorney Generals office (SAG), the OCC and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The SAG usually won't do anything but they do keep the complaints in a file. If that file gets big enough they can sue a bank directly.

I have had good results with complaint letters to the OCC. Banks do not ignore them.

"In 1950, Diners Club and American Express launched their charge cards in the USA, the first "plastic money". In 1951, Diners Club issued the first credit card to 200 customers who could use it at 27 restaurants in New York. But it was only until the establishment of standards for the magnetic strip in 1970 that the credit card became part of the information age."

http://www.didyouknow.cd/creditcards.htm

1919

General Motors launches the General Motors Acceptance Corp. to help buyers finance car purchases. Ford waits until 1928 to counter to gain market share.

1920

The modern credit card makings were here. Oil companies had offered charge cards that could be used nationwide. Auto buying habits indicated that buying on time would be 'acceptable'.

1924

Three of every four automobiles purchased in the United States are purchased on credit. These loans make up more than half of all retail installment sales. . . .

1949

New York City - The 'modern day' credit card came to existence in a restaurant where three men were having lunch - they started the "Diners Club" card.

1950

The Diners' Club introduces its travel and entertainment card, the first card that can be used at more than one retail establishment.

1956

FICO - Fair Isaac Company -- Founded by Bill Fair & Earl Isaac. They developed a scoring system using a combination of item scoring, factoring & segmentation - which can predict an individuals potential credit default risk MATHEMATICALLY

1958

American Express introduces their new charge card. Bank of America mails the first 60,000 "Bank-Americards" to Fresno, CA., residents.

1966

Bank of America begins licensing BankAmericard to other banks. Rival banks respond by forming the Master charge group.

1968

TransUnion was created by the Union Tank Car Company, a railcar leasing operation, which became the parent holding company.

1969

TransUnion acquired the Credit Bureau of Cook County (CBCC). At that time, the Bureau manually maintained 3.6 million card files in 400 seven-drawer cabinets.

1970

President Nixon bans mass mailings of unsolicited credit cards, forcing banks to ask customers if they actually want a card before delivering one.

FICO develops the first scoring system for a bank credit card of Connecticut Bank and Trust.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacts the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq

1976

Bank Americard becomes Visa.

1986

Sears launches the Discover Card, offering cards to all Sears Card holders.

1989

FICO installs the first general-purpose FICO scoring system at Equifax named BEACON.

1991

FICO begins their risk scoring system at all three national credit Bureaus. - BEACON (SM) at Equifax, EMPIRICA® at Trans Union, and the Experian/Fair Isaac model at Experian.

1994

The Mortgage Press begins publishing - The Mortgage Press, LTD. has 36 monthly publications targeting the mortgage industry professionals and serves as the official journal of the state affiliate of The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB).

1995

For the first time in U.S. history, credit cards overtake cash payments for consumer purchases.

1997

Russia - Licenses for elk hunting permits were used to pay public employees because the opportunity to hunt for food was more valuable to them than money.

1999

The International Credit Club - established - W-B PA. for the purpose of improving credit scores for purchasing and refinancing properties. Evolved into web based interfaced mortgage pre qualification program.

2001

The WORLD of CREDIT Inc. totally corporate funded Non Profit Origination providing FREE credit services including a personal debt management program

2003

George W. Bush signs H.R. 2622, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003"

http://www.pnnonline.org/article.php?sid=5966&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0"