| Passage 10 Although credit cards are becoming a more acceptable part of the financial scene, they are still regarded with suspicion by many people as a major part of the "live now, pay later" habit. They provide encouragement to spend {{U}}(1) {{/U}} money. Of course it is only the fool who follows the temptation to live, temporarily at least, {{U}}(2) {{/U}} his means, and such people would no doubt manage to do so even without credit cards. Advertisers have, however, promoted a growing realization of the {{U}}(3) {{/U}} of these small pieces of plastic. They do away with the need to carry large {{U}}(4) {{/U}} of cash and are always useful in emergencies. All the credit card organizations {{U}}(5) {{/U}} interest on a monthly basis which may work out as high as 25 percent a year, yet careful use of a card can mean that you obtain up to seven weeks interest-free credit. Using the card abroad, {{U}}(6) {{/U}} items frequently take a long time to be included on your account, can {{U}}(7) {{/U}} this period even further. It is worthwhile shopping around before {{U}}(8) {{/U}} on a particular credit card. It is necessary to consider the amount of credit granted: interest rates, which may vary slightly, the number and range of outlets, though most cards {{U}}(9) {{/U}} major garages, hotels, restaurants and department stores. And of course, what happens if your card is lost or stolen. A credit thief may become suddenly {{U}}(10) {{/U}} particularly if there is a delay in reporting the loss of the card. However，if used wisely，a credit card can cost nothing，or at least help to tide you over a period of financial difficulty． |