View Full Version : Never leave the trail without it - ATC Visa
Tennessee Viking
11-30-2008, 23:38
I thought this would be quite an enjoyment humor topic when I first saw it on the ATC site.
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/atf/cf/%7BD25B4747-42A3-4302-8D48-EF35C0B0D9F1%7D/visa-ad1.gif (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/waystogive#ATCcard)
Ok..when did the ATC join up with the Big Brothers Visa & Bank of America?
I am just asking myself, what are the benefits to this card...
So if we sign up for an ATC Visa,
Does one get trail miles instead of air miles?
Do they automatically add on ATC membership every year?
Cash in points for discounts on shuttles and at outfitters & hostels?
Hikers can cash in points to stay at any shelter in the Smokies?
For every dollar one spends, does it knock off 100 feet of a thru-hike?
Then I have to ask, how can one make payments on a thru-hike?
Those all sound like reasonable ideas to me!
What is the threshold for elite status? I want priority at shelters over weekenders.
Tennessee Viking
12-01-2008, 00:15
Don't they realize that most hikers are poor or already in debate...why do they want to kill us. I thought the ATC would be the last organization to buddy up with a credit card.
They even have a Platinum card. Whats that...cash in points to have shelters all to yourself. Be shuttled to every trailhead in between Georgia & Maine, instead of hiking it. Hire a Sherpa to carry your gear for a thru hike.
But I am wondering if the interest will be going to feed hungry hikers.
The AT credit card's been around for close to 15 years. I can't remember the original bank that offered it, but that bank was gobbled up by MBNA which in turn was gobbled up by Bank of America.
Tennessee Viking
12-01-2008, 00:55
I haven't seen it as boldly posted on the ATC site until now. Must be the all the bank aquisitions and bailout news.
I'm sure the ATC is like most non-profits and is hurting for money right now. Probably doing all they can to increase the revenue stream. It would be interesting to know what kind of cut they get from the credit card company.
Serial 07
12-01-2008, 01:04
It would be interesting to know what kind of cut they get from the credit card company.
yes it would...they should discuss that on the site...
I'm sure the ATC is like most non-profits and is hurting for money right now. Probably doing all they can to increase the revenue stream. It would be interesting to know what kind of cut they get from the credit card company.
50 dollars when you open an account and 1 dollar per year + .2% of purchases
50 dollars when you open an account and 1 dollar per year + .2% of purchases
Really? My membership has lapse, think I'll join again.
Lone Wolf
12-01-2008, 06:08
why would anyone want a credit card?
hey LW - credit cards are great _IF_ the user has some self control and always pays them off in full every month - they are a great convenience item - for example one Thanksgiving day in Damascus I was able to buy gas at Cowboys even though the place was closed - the pumps took credit cards.
Lone Wolf
12-01-2008, 07:56
MOST users have no self control. and a 20% interest rate is fantastic
sad but very true - most users have very little self control - take my ex for example - its one of the main reasons she is now an ex
MOST users have no self control. and a 20% interest rate is fantastic
My most expensive card charges 8.7%. The others have small balances of 4.9% or less.
Weary
why would anyone want a credit card?
Ever try to rent a car, or reserve a room without a credit card? Can't do it.
MOST users have no self control. and a 20% interest rate is fantastic
It's 9.9% If you pay the balance within 20 days there is no interest.
I have a REI card where I get credits towards the yearly dividend.
fiatspider2000
12-01-2008, 13:36
I cant see opening any account with a big bank. Bank of America already boasts of having accounts with 1/2 of all Americans.
I cant see opening any account with a big bank. Bank of America already boasts of having accounts with 1/2 of all Americans.
I all ready have my savings, checking, debit card, 3 credit cards (zero balance) and a CD with BofA.
The reason I opened with them in the 1st place was that they have ATM's across the country and I hate paying ATM fees!
ofthearth
12-01-2008, 18:36
Ever try to rent a car, or reserve a room without a credit card? Can't do it.
And its a lot easier to get gas at the pump. A lot of places require pre pay (go inside. wait in line, guess how much gas you want/need, go back inside to get your change,............) or stick your card in the pump, get your gas and go.
bigboots
12-01-2008, 19:08
Ah...the convenience of the credit card, what would I do without one? I honestly don't carry more than $10 with me because I have a card. Just pay it off each month as mentioned above.
BumpJumper
12-01-2008, 19:50
[quote=Sly;732612]Ever try to rent a car, or reserve a room without a credit card? Can't do it. quote]
LW never needs a room, he sleeps behind the motel and walks.:D
fancyfeet
12-02-2008, 00:26
Umm...let's not forget that debit cards do whatever credit cards do except charge interest or go over your limit.
Umm...let's not forget that debit cards do whatever credit cards do except charge interest or go over your limit.
The only exception is for renting cars or other things that require a deposit. Was a pain getting out of Bangor this year because I didn't have a credit card, and it was cheaper to rent a car than to ride greyhound. Only one of the companies didn't require a credit card, and they weren't the cheapest. Other than that, I'm a debit card person. Keeps you from spending money you don't have.
Umm...let's not forget that debit cards do whatever credit cards do except charge interest or go over your limit.
I think there's also a difference in your ability to dispute charges. If you've paid with a cc, you do not actually have to lose the use of your money while you dispute the charge. If it's already gone from your bank account, you do.
I also want to note that you non-credit-card users and you pay-it-off-every-month people are ruining the American economy, which is apparently built on unaffordable debt. :rolleyes:
So go out and charge something today! Get the economy moving again! Thank goodness Christmas is coming and most people will spend themselves silly.:D
(This is the Hiking Humor forum...not a Political Forum...I mean this in a humorous manner...)
earlyriser26
12-02-2008, 07:43
Everyone needs a credit card. Maybe LW can get by without one, but it would not be easy unless you are a Luddite. My credit card has an interest rate of 5% which I almost never pay since having a credit balance should only be for emergencies. If I could get 5% on the AT card I would, but most affinity cards charge high rates.
Everyone needs a credit card.
Most people would find benefit by having a credit card. Some people should not have them.
Same with debit cards.
earlyriser26
12-02-2008, 10:03
Most people would find benefit by having a credit card. Some people should not have them.
Same with debit cards.
Don't blame the card for your problems.
Lone Wolf
12-02-2008, 10:06
Most people would find benefit by having a credit card. Some people should not have them.
most people should not have them. they aren't used for needs. mostly wants
BAG "o" TRICKS
12-02-2008, 12:03
Because we are not rich like you.
BAG "o" TRICKS
12-02-2008, 12:10
I've had this card for years and the ATC get's a small percentage of the purchases you make on it back from the bank they have this card set up with. I think it's ag reat idea to help ATC and anyone except Lone Wolf:), who charges things should get one.
Don't blame the card for your problems.
You be assuming.
most people should not have them. they aren't used for needs. mostly wants
Some truth there.
_terrapin_
12-02-2008, 20:09
most people should not have them. they aren't used for needs. mostly wants
Lot of truth there, but the American Way Of Life consists largely in confusing and conflating these two. Many billions of $$ are spent in that effort. When folks in gummint refer to citizens as consumers, you know the problem is deep.
Everyone needs a credit card. Maybe LW can get by without one, but it would not be easy unless you are a Luddite. My credit card has an interest rate of 5% which I almost never pay since having a credit balance should only be for emergencies. If I could get 5% on the AT card I would, but most affinity cards charge high rates.
If you pay your balance it doesn't matter what they charge, and the ATC still benefits. Save emergency purchases, you'll pay back on time, for lower interest cards.
If you pay your balance it doesn't matter what they charge, and the ATC still benefits. Save emergency purchases, you'll pay back on time, for lower interest cards.Its only .2%. You spend 5000 bucks and the ATC gets a buck. If you have a card that gives you a better deal on apr or rewards just use it and give whatever you want to the ATC.
I canceled my last credit card 16 years ago, and I have not had any issues that I could not work around. I admit some inconveniences once in a while, but other than that, no big issues.
Lone Wolf
12-03-2008, 09:48
credit cards are like cell phones, leki poles, water filters and bear bags...they're not needed just wanted
Its only .2%. You spend 5000 bucks and the ATC gets a buck. If you have a card that gives you a better deal on apr or rewards just use it and give whatever you want to the ATC.
That may be true but they get $50 when you open. I applied and didn't get instant credit which leads me to believe I'll be denied. It's OK, I all ready have about 10 cards.
ofthearth
12-03-2008, 09:52
credit cards are like cell phones, leki poles, water filters and bear bags...they're not needed just wanted
and web sites and computers and the internet and ................
.....I applied and didn't get instant credit which leads me to believe I'll be denied. It's OK, I all ready have about 10 cards.
I have several that I used to get 10 percent off for applying. I like it when I'm denied. Otherwise I leave them in my desk drawer. Unactivated.
In my weakened mental state, I can't juggle more than three active cards at a time. But a small number of multiple cards have their advantages.
From time to time I need more than convenience. I need to borrow some cash for a year or two. When that happens I just wait for a 4.9 percent special offer. It's cheaper than a home equity loan.
Like at the moment, when I'm juggling "emergency" grandkids college tuition needs. One card that I haven't used for years except for "special five percent interest deals" is attempting to get me to become it's "regular" credit card by offering me 3.9 percent "until the balance is paid in full," for everything I spend this Christmas. Just think. I can help our President and President-elect jump start the economy on the cheap. Who could ask for anything more in these trying times?
Three cards are the limit only because that's the maximum my mind can keep track of payment due dates needed to avoid late payment fees.
Weary
Three cards are the limit only because that's the maximum my mind can keep track of payment due dates needed to avoid late payment fees.
Weary
Yeah, most of my cards also sit in the draw unactivated.
I have my online banking to automatically do payments. That way it at least pays the minimum. Otherwise, I'd be screwed.
Tennessee Viking
12-04-2008, 00:28
Gosh..this was supposed to be a humor topic originally. I was just trying to make fun of the ATC for having a brand new Visa card & what kind of funny benefits hikers could get out of it.