Language Points | Comprehension Questions
Text A    Credit Cards
 

      Credit cards are small, rectangular plastic cards. Banks give these cards to their customers. When the customer buys something at a store, he shows his card at the store. This authorizes the store to charge the bank for the customer's purchase. The bank collects all the charges for each customer. Then once a month the bank requires the customer to pay all the charges for that month. The bank does not force the customer to pay the full amount. It allows the customer to pay for the charges in several payments over a period of time. However, the bank requires the customer to pay interest on the unpaid part of the charges. 
      In this way the bank allows customers to buy things they cannot afford at one time. People can use the card to buy what they want and pay for it over a period of time. They also do not need to carry a lot of money. 
     Today, more and more people in the U. S. are using credit cards instead of money to buy the things they need. Almost anyone who has a steady income and good work record can apply for a credit card. There are many credit cards available: American Express, Master Charge, VISA, and Diner's Club are the names of some of the most popular.

 
 
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