Cards and Charge Accounts

1. Complete the sentences, using the appropriate words from the box:

Transaction; toll–free; advances; unauthorized; identifica­tion; compete; owe; compute; accounts.

1. Many stores and companies issue credit cards and allow their customers to maintain charge….

2. Some of these cards can also be used to obtain cash … from banks and bank machines.

3. Credit cards are engraved with the holder’s name and … number.

4. Companies issuing credit cards send out monthly statements indi­cating how much you ….

5. Some companies impose interest charges from the date of the ….

6. Companies use different methods to … interest.

7. Providers of credit … with each other to get new customers.

8. Many major credit card companies have … telephone numbers.

9. If your credit card is lost or stolen, you are not responsible for any … charges made after you have notified the issuer that the card is missing.

2. Are the statements true (+) or false (-)? Correct the false statements.

1. Con­sumers can use credit cards to buy gasoline, take a vacation, go out to dinner, and buy furniture, clothing, and many other things.

2. Companies provide these cards free.

3. Consumers are usually given a credit limit and can make purchases up to that limit.

4. Some credit card and charge accounts allow you to pay bills over time.

5. All companies use the same methods to compute interest.

6. To more easily compare the rates charged by different companies, you can ask whatannual percentage rate (APR) is charged.

7. Annual interest rates may vary by as much as 10 percentage points.

8. Credit cards are in such wide use today that certain goods and ser­vices may be difficult to obtain without one.

9. For protection, any person with credit cards should keep a list of the following information for each card: the name of the company issuing the card, the account number on the card, and the number to call if the card is lost or stolen.

10. If your credit card is lost or stolen, you are responsible for any unauthorized charges made after you have notified the issuer that the card is missing.