…or is renewing a credit card now a 40+ minute phone sales pitch?

Maybe it’s just me.

Have any of you tried to activate a credit card sent to you in the mail recently?

I *just* got off the phone with American Express. They’re nice enough to provide automated activation via phone. Except the automated service never “works”. This system worked right up to the point it asked me for my Mom’s birthday. Once I punch it in — it’s off the to sales pitches.

For darn close to 1/2 hour I listen to pitch after pitch for credit card protection, points programs, additional cards for other members.

It’s enough of an ordeal where I seriously believe most people will start canceling credit cards just so they don’t put up with this renewal nightmare.

I believe the tech world’s version of this Credit Card Nightmare  is Dell.

Remember ordering a computer from Dell was literally  two button pushes….

They ALWAYS came  fully configured and you didn’t have to think about adding this feature or that option.

Fast forward a few years and suddenly the “advertised price” for most Dell machines was about 20% lower than what you’d end up paying. Often I’d try to order a Dell and just clicking through on the “next” button added $500 worth of options to the machine…..

Suddenly Dell finds themselves in a heap of doo-doo. I’m not so sure it isn’t in part because of this shady practice.

I won’t be surprised if credit card companies are next.