99% Invisible The Fresno Drop
Jan 20, 2016
The podcast explores the experimental introduction of credit cards by the Bank of America in Fresno, California in 1958. It discusses the historical context and significance of the Bank of America card in revolutionizing consumer credit. The chapter delves into the consequences of widespread credit card use, including fraud and theft. It also explores the challenges and changes in the early days of credit cards, leading to industry-wide reforms. Finally, it discusses the history and impact of credit cards, including the birth of Visa and MasterCard and the alarming credit card debt in the US.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5
Introduction
00:00 • 5min
The Origins of the Bank of America Card and Consumer Credit
04:41 • 2min
The Introduction and Expansion of Credit Cards: The Fresno Drop
06:39 • 2min
The Challenges and Changes in the Early Days of Credit Cards
08:42 • 2min
The History and Impact of Credit Cards
10:28 • 4min