Moneyzine
/Credit Guides /What Your Credit Card Says About You

Plastic Personality: What Your Credit Card Says About You

The telltale card: How your credit card spills the beans about you.
Lauren Bedford
Author: 
Lauren Bedford
Derek Sall
Editor: 
Derek Sall
Halina Grzeskiewicz
Fact Checker: 
Halina Grzeskiewicz
14 mins
April 18th, 2024
Advertiser Disclosure
Plastic Personality: What Your Credit Card Says About You

You finally went on that date. The conversation was fun and the eye contact was on point. But no call, no text—nada. Then you think back to when you both grabbed your credit cards to pay. You couldn’t help but notice their shiny Amex label—and the side-eye you got when you pulled out your credit-building card.

But surely that wasn’t a red flag?

You’d be surprised. A study found that 65% of millennials think having a good credit score is important in a life partner. And if your card says anything—it’s that you’re not doing great in that department.

So what exactly are people thinking when they see your credit card?

We’ve gone detective and scoured the online forums to give you the complete scoop—

Chase Sapphire Reserve: The Latte-Loving Millennial

You possess a thirst for travel, and you’ve been told you’ve got quite a refined palate. Your Starbucks addiction is legendary, but you’re not just about caffeine buzzes—you’re all about exploring new horizons.

Your career in tech or finance fuels your jet-setting lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy all the dining and travel perks. You’ve mastered the art of living your best life (with Instagram posts to prove it).

When you’re not snapping pictures of your food, you’re often found in the VIP lounge, sipping on a glass of wine while working to pay those bills.

Amex Gold: The Foodie Financier

You’re a high-earning, high-spending individual who navigates weekly food shopping like a pro. Your grocery bills may be steep, but you refuse to compromise on quality.

Grubhub is your saving grace on busy nights—and dining out is your guilty pleasure. You take Ubers to all the restaurants, indulging in top-notch meals without worrying about the not-so-dreaded bill.

And if you’ve got the Amex Rose Gold Card, you certainly won’t shy away from showing it off. Flaunting that shiny card is almost as satisfying as the weight of the chunky metal in your wallet.

And here’s an interesting tidbit: One in five Americans say points are the best benefit of credit cards—yet 52% don’t track them. Are you one of them?

Discover It: The Carefree Cardholder

As a college student, this starter card is your first taste of financial independence—and you’re embracing it with wide-eyed enthusiasm.

The allure of cashback rewards has you bubbling with excitement. Every dollar earned feels like a small triumph—and you can’t help but sing the card’s praises to anyone who’ll listen.

You’re a free spirit, breezing through without reading the fine print. If you paid attention, you’d see that the rewards system is more complex than juggling your partying with studying.

But why let the details dampen your optimism? As time passes, you’ll stash the card away in a dusty drawer—a memento of your college days.

Amex Centurion Black Card: The Elite Tycoon

The Centurion card is the ultimate status symbol, giving you access to a world of luxury and privilege.

So, don’t lie—we know you live for skipping lines and strolling into reserved areas with that air of superiority.

But it’s not just about the perks. It’s the ability to impress us normal folks who can’t touch this coveted card. It’s the ultimate flex, a statement that you’ve arrived and conquered.

You understand that the $10,000 initiation fee is a small price to pay for the status and exclusivity that comes with the card.

Citi Double Cash Card: The Simplicity Seeker

The Citi Double Cash Card may not be flashy or extravagant, but that’s what draws you in. Some might say boring—but you enjoy the simple things in life.

You couldn’t care less about sparkly sign-up bonuses or rich rewards. And while the tempting cashback rewards don’t excite you, financial stability over short-term gains certainly does.

You’re a classic minimalist, choosing substance over style and finding beauty in the understated. Your card is a true reflection of your practical mindset and grounded nature.

Amex Platinum: The Superior Spendmaster

With your sleek Amex Platinum card, you’re no stranger to sophistication. You’re the epitome of the upper middle class, who likes to see themselves more as strictly upper class.

Studies have shown that demand for a platinum card is much higher than the demand for the benefits it comes with. So no wonder you’re a confident cardholder. (It helps that your bank can handle the $695 annual fee without a second thought.)

Splurging comes naturally, and shopping at Saks is your favorite pastime. The sound of your prestigious metal card hitting the counter is music to your ears.

Credit One Platinum Card: The Credit Crusader

You’ve stumbled on some tough financial times, but that hasn’t stopped you from trying to build a better credit future.

In the rush to boost your score, you may have skipped the research phase, ignoring negative reviews and diving headfirst into any offer thrown your way. Or maybe you were just out of options.

It probably won’t surprise you that 49% try to hide their bad credit score from others. Though it’s honestly hard to hide if you’re carrying this credit card around.

And yet you bravely stick with this less-than-ideal card, fearing the credit score abyss if you sever ties. But don’t let these setbacks bring you down. Keep riding that coaster of credit building, and you’ll get off—eventually.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card: The Family Fuel Provider

Your grocery bills may be hefty, but you tackle them with gusto. With your Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card, you supercharge your savings and earn generous rewards on all those trips to the store.

And you’re not the only sucker for perks: 61% say rewards are their biggest motivator to getting a credit card. We’re guessing that’s what drew you into this one.

Streaming rewards are your secret weapon to keeping your kids entertained. Name any streaming service—you’re probably subscribed to it. (Though with all those after-school clubs, you’re questioning if it’s really worth it.)

Apple Card: The Apple Enthusiast

With the Apple Card, you’re not just a fan of the brand—you’re a die-hard member of the tribe. And the aesthetics aren’t bad, either. Made from titanium, the card is as sharp as your tech-savvy wit.

As an Apple enthusiast, you’re deeply rooted in the Apple ecosystem—and you’re totally fine with that. Nobody would bat an eye if you got a nerdy tattoo that proudly displays your passion for all things tech.

You’re at the forefront of innovation, marching to the beat of your own nerdy drum. Stay stylish, stay secure, and stay Apple (you have no choice).

Bank of America Visa Debit Card: The Debt-Free Dave

You’re a true warrior against the clutches of credit cards and a dedicated fan of financial guru Dave Ramsey.

For you, debit rules the roost. You firmly believe your money should be yours, not the “bank’s money” tied to credit.

Living free from debt and loans is your ultimate goal—and you’re determined to achieve it. After all, 82% of Americans are worrying about the credit debt piling up.

Credit cards? They’re just evil masterminds of a credit conspiracy. You refuse to succumb to their web of tempting rewards and hidden fees while waving your defiant flag with pride.

Key Takeaways

  • If you strongly disagree with any of our light-hearted, not-to-be-taken-seriously statements, we apologize.

  • These views are largely based on those who like a good old rant on the internet and are not scientifically backed up. (Though that Amex Centurion Card is still a serious flex.)

  • But there’s no harm in taking a sneaky peak next time your date pulls out their credit card.

Any of these credit cards catch your eye? Here are some similar options to explore:

FAQ

What does a credit card symbolize?
What are five things credit card companies don’t want you to know?
Is a credit card a status symbol?
What does your credit card statement tell you?
Why are credit cards so powerful?
What is a red flag on a credit card?
What is black card status?

Sources

See all

Related Content

Contributors

Lauren Bedford
Lauren is a published content writer and journalist. In the last five years, she has written about a range of subjects, including business, technology, and finance. She was born in June 1994 in the UK, but relocated to Barcelona five years ago. Initially covering topics like business and technology, Lauren is now dedicated to her position as a personal finance journalist and is always keen to keep learning and evolve as a finance writer.
Derek Sall
Derek has a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's in Business. As a finance manager in the corporate world, he regularly identified and solved problems at the C-suite level. Today, Derek isn't interested in helping big companies. Instead, he's helping individuals win financially — one email, one article, one person at a time.
Halina Grzeskiewicz
Halina is a content writer with nearly 5 years of experience. She has written about several topics, including human resources, technology, Forex, cryptocurrencies, and personal finance.
Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.