McDonald's Restaurant's McVISA fast-food credit card.

McDonald's Credit Card Holder Has One Whopper Of A Bill

Credit cards can be a wonderful thing for consumers who don't wish to carry cash. The convenience of purchasing on credit lets people manage their finances through online banking and monthly statements. But for those who unable to control their spending urges, credit can be a dangerous thing. For fast food consumers with poor credit management, it can be even worse.

Josie Amblin is a part-time student, part-time worker, and a full-time McVISA user. Josie, 22, is one of thousands of McVISA cardholders unable to stop purchasing food on credit from McDonald's restaurants.

Josie admits to using her McDonald's issued credit card at least ten times per week, and she is already over her $1,500 established credit limit.

"I can't stop," cried Josie, who doesn't deny she has a spending problem. "It's just so easy to purchase a burger and fries with credit. I know I can't afford to eat at McDonald's this often, but I can't help myself! I'm a susceptible consumer who's vulnerable to almost any retail marketing strategy."

Phil Lalibert, an economics professor at York University, says that people are not fiscally responsible when it comes to purchasing fast-food on their restaurant chain credit cards.

Josie Amblin has her McVISA card ready for her next purchase.

"A couple of cheeseburgers here, a fresh baked apple pie there, one or two McMuffins in the morning...it all adds up," said Lalibert, who himself enjoys the occasional Big Mac, but prefers to purchase the sandwich with cash.

"People like Josie get caught in the fast-food credit trap," continued Phil. "The first time they use the McVISA, they're given a bonus--like an upgrade to a large shake, or a free Teenie Baby. After that, they're hooked. "

Bart Hirschfeld, founder of the Canadian Credit Crisis Counseling Consortium, has been counseling credit-crazed Canadians for several years.

"These Canadians are living beyond their means," said Hirschfeld. "I will admit, I've never seen anyone with with a $2,100 balance until I met Josie. I know I'm supposed to be helping, but Jesus that girl has got to have a super-sized eating disorder!"