So How Much You Earning?

Credit card companies and their executives are definitely a cursed bunch, I bet. They're good at getting people to sign up for credit cards, and they're also outside my bank ATM. This was a call I got while I was at office:

'Hello Sir, this is Archana from -------. Sir, Your name is Jens, no sir?'

I'm quite surprised she knows my name, and I answer in the affirmative.

'Sir, would you be interested in a ------- credit card? Its very cheap.'

I wasnt really interested, but I asked her to continue as she'd taken the trouble to call me up and knew my name.

'Sir, we have very low interest rates and you can pay back in 45 days. Its very easy to apply, sir, and you will have the card very quickly. Not only that sir, if you apply now, you will also get a free assured gift.'

Gifts are usually free unless you're dying to get back at someone. By this time, I got quite bored, and sighed. I dont know if that was a sign she felt comfortable with but she carried on.

'If you apply now, sir, you will get a free lifetime membership with ------- club and you can avail their facilities free of cost. Sir, is this your address?'

Archana proceeds to blurt my address out, and waits for me to confirm. I reply and she goes on.

'This is a one time offer sir and if you take it, it will be good for you.'

And good for your company too, Archana. I have to admit, I'm afraid of credit cards and their companies- not just because you have to pay them, but they've got so many big tongue-twisting monetary terms that give you a headache. The next was her last and final question.

'So sir, I shall sign you up and send you a credit card as soon as possible. Sir, whats your monthly income?'

I had to be horribly frank here and told Archana I get Rs. 5000.

'Uh, um' This was followed by a short pause; I believe she was looking up something. 'Sir, we cant give you a credit card for that income. You need to have more.' And then she ends the call.

Archana didnt tell me how much more I needed to own a credit card but she definitely made my day.