The American Way

A few days ago "The Madge" asked me to go online and get her a Continental Airline credit card, it costs $95 per year BUT she wouldn't be charged for her luggage. After several attempts to apply online with the special promotional code I was locked out of the website. She then asked me to call the special number. The person on the other end of the phone was extremely nice and told me that the person who is applying must be on the phone. This made perfect sense to me so I handed her over to "The Madge". After answering several obvious questions like name, date of birth, social security number, etc. etc. the fun was about to start. "You want my income?". I made believe I didn't hear her. "Source of income? Well I get about $900 per month from Social Security". "Occupation? I'm a Retired Homemaker." Doesn't she still have that job? I kept my mouth shut and within five minutes she was approved and established a line of credit. I couldn't believe it and when she left the room I went online to get the free credit rating reports for myself and "The Madge". Her rating was 36 points higher than mine, my report said I didn't have sufficient revolving accounts. Sufficient? I don't have any revolving credit cards, all I have is Amex which is paid off each month. I thought having zero debt, numerous assets and a decent source of income was the way it should be, I guess being a "retired" homemaker making $10,800 per year is the answer.