| CODE | BQ4PG7F |
Ever swiped your card and wondered about its backstory?
Credit cards are probably one of the most fascinating ideas in modern life, because they shape the way we spend and save.
But more than that, there are actually a couple of things you might not know about these charge plates.
In this section, we’ll explore some fun facts about credit cards and their most intriguing discoveries!
5 Fun Facts About Credit Cards
1. Astronauts have used credit cards in space.
What do people usually think?
Most people assume that once astronauts leave Earth, cash and cards become completely useless.
After all, what would you even “buy” in space?
Here’s the astonishing truth:
Astronaut William S. McArthur Jr. confirmed in a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) oral history that he once used his American Express card while in orbit, making it one of the few documented instances of a credit card being used in space.
“I used my American Express while I was actually in orbit. I actually was able to use a credit card in space.”
Sounds impossible, but it’s real!
2. Credit cards predate ATMs.
What do people usually think?
Because Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) look older and mechanical, individuals think they existed before credit cards were invented.
Some might also assume that credit cards appear later as the “modern” alternative.
However, this is completely untrue.
Here’s the astonishing fact:
In reality, various forms of charge cards were in use long before the first ATMs, which were developed in 1967 in North London, UK by Barclays Bank.
The Diners Club Card, launched in 1950, is recognized as the world’s first universal charge card.
However, it was initially accepted by 14 restaurants in New York City with its limitations.
The real turning point came in 1958, when BankAmericard, the first widely accepted third-party credit card, was introduced.
This set the foundation for Visa and occurred almost ten years before ATMs became widely available.
3. Some collectors treat rare or expired cards like trading cards.
What do people usually think?
Once a credit card expires, people usually think that it becomes completely useless—just a piece of plastic to cut up and discard.
But did you know that some people collect and treat these cards as treasures?
Here’s the astonishing truth:
There’s actually a niche community of collectors who see rare, vintage, or expired credit cards as treasures.
One of them is identified as the American Credit Card Collectors Society (ACCCS), which has been active since the early 1990s.
Limited-edition releases, unusual designs, or cards from banks that no longer exist are often swapped and valued much like trading cards.
Some have even been sold at auctions, proving that one person’s expired card can be another’s prized collectible.
4. “Gold” and “Platinum” cards started as marketing gimmicks.
What do people usually think?
Many people assume gold and platinum cards are made of precious metals or were originally designed for only the wealthiest customers.
But initially, these are just labels to attract more members.
Here’s the astonishing truth:
The Gold Card was launched in 1966 by American Express and aimed at “big-spending members,” emphasizing exclusivity rather than any precious metal content.
It was followed by “platinum” cards, which weren’t made of luxury metals at all.
Over time, the labels stuck, and today, “gold” and “platinum” have become industry standards for premium cards, despite their origins as branding tactics.
5. The longest interest-free period on a card was 34 months.
What do people usually think?
People often believe that credit card interest always kicks in immediately if you don’t pay off your balance each month.
Well, we can’t blame them, as some banks are really strict about interest, right?
However, in a world full of strict policies on using credit cards, there’s something you should know.
Here’s the astonishing reality:
An interest-free period is the window of time when you can repay what you owe on a credit card without being charged interest.
Based on the most current data, the longest offer available today comes from NatWest and Tesco Bank, offering up to 34 months—nearly three years—before regular rates apply.
Wrap-Up
Credit cards may seem like everyday tools, but their history and quirks reveal just how fascinating they really are.
From orbiting the Earth to being collected like rare treasures, they’ve shaped culture and commerce in surprising ways.
Who knew a simple piece of plastic could hold so many hidden stories?
Credit cards clearly have more secrets than we ever imagined! If you enjoyed these fun facts and want to discover more surprising stories like this, let us know in the comments—we’d love to share more with you.
