As a marketing person, I can understand why that data is so valuable. It gives us insight into your hobbies, needs, and practices which help companies create new products to suit your needs. However, as an individual, I also resent the loss of privacy...

I am one of those people who LOVE to accrue frequent flier miles (and I have oodles) ~ so I use my AmEx for nearly everything and then pay it off at the end of the month. I'd rather use AmEx's working capital than my own.

However, I would fight passionately for your right to use cash and not lose benefits to do so. With the USA population (on average) in $15K worth of credit card debt (which creates payments larger than car payments) I admire your approach and responsibility.

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney