A Conversation with a Credit Card Issuer

Me: "Yes, hello?  Hi, this is Card Holder calling.  I would like to talk to you about my current credit card balance and limit."

CCI: "Hello Mr. "Cardholder" what is it I can do for you?"

Me: "Well, I have a slight problem.  See, my wife had this card before me and she charged a pretty good chunk of money on it and being in a pretty tight spot financially already, I had to use this card to pay other bills and also pay back people I've borrowed from.  It's come to my attention that I've almost reached my credit limit.  Can we raise the limit so I can continue to use this card?"

CCI:  "Sir, the logical thing to do would be pay down the amount.  You're not in a very good position and quite frankly we wouldn't feel comfortable raising the limit."

Me:  "I understand, but it was my wifes fault.  I have to fix it.  How else am I going to keep paying my other bills?"

CCI: "Do you have any unnecessary expenses?  You may have to lower you standards a bit.  Buy generic food and clothing instead of name brand.  Cut back vacations and eating out.  You're the head of a major company, correct?  You have many employees?"

Me: "Yes I do."

CCI:  "You may have to cut wages or even a few jobs.  It's tough times I know an..."

Me: "I'm the head of a major company!"

CCI:  "Yes, and other heads of other companies are having to make these same decisions.  You can't keep spending in the manor you are or you could bankrupt your entire company.  That would be far worse than just cutting a few jobs.  You could possible avoid that if you only cut wages.  You should discuss that with your employees."

Me:  "Maybe I can take out a loan to help pay down this balance..."

CCI:  "Sir, I wouldn't advise that.  You'd only be digging yourself another hole."

Me: "Well, you're asking me to be responsible for something my wife screwed up.  It's her fault, I have to fix this and to do that, I need more room to spend."

CCI:  "Sir, it's not my place, but if it is your wife's fault you are in this position, why are you wanting to do things that would make it worse?  I'm trying to offer advice to help you, I really don't care who's fault it is."

Me:  "Thanks for your advice but if you're not going to help me, I'll do it myself.  Being head of this bank, I'm ordering you to up my credit limit."

CCI:  "Very well sir."