Yesterday I posted about how I’ve now learned that rice krispy treats can be made out of cereals other than Rice Krispies. I got some great responses on Twitter that I’m eager to try; my first attempt will involve Lucky Charms and Apple Jacks.
So today I thought I’d share something else with you, something you might already know: You can memorize your credit card number.* If you do, it is extremely helpful.
I mention this because I did not know it was possible to memorize a 16-digit number (actually, 23 digits if you include the date and code). But many years ago–freshman year of college–I distinctly remember my girlfriend placing an order on the phone without looking at her credit card.
Afterward, I looked at her in amazement and asked how she did that. She laughed and said that she memorized the number, no problem.
I had my doubts that I could do it too, but I gave it a try. I started with the first 4 digits and repeated them until I remembered them, then I added 4 more, and so on. Over the next few days I randomly tested myself to see if I could remember the entire number, and soon it was etched into my brain.
I’ve gone through a few debit and credit cards since then, and I always have one card committed to memory. It makes online shopping even easier than it already is. If you haven’t done it, I highly recommend it.
Do you have your credit/debit card memorized? What’s the longest number you currently have etched into your brain?
*I just want to be clear that when I talk about credit cards, I am strictly speaking about them in terms of a tool for spending money you actually have. I would highly, highly recommend never using a credit card in such a way that you cannot pay off the full balance every month. If you are in a situation where that isn’t possible due to extremely high credit card fees, please let me know your situation in case I can help.
I have 2 credit cards memorized with the dates and codes and my debt card memorized as well. My wife still to this day is surprised that I can do this 🙂
2 cards at once–impressive!
I know the password to fight Mike Tyson on Punch-Out!! For the original nintendo (11 digits)
I meant 10 digits
I have one (my only) credit card memorized. (Also pay off every month). But it did amaze me that I could memorize it. I had a head injury many years ago that for some reason gave me a problem with numbers. I could write a check and 30 minutes later have no idea how much the check was for. No other memory problems, just numbers. I have to write them down. So was very surprised that I could memorize the credit card number.
For a contest in school I memorized the first 37 digits of pi (though someone else memorized more than 100). Though I am much better at remembering names than numbers. One other thing I have found to be handy to memorize is my license plate. I don’t need it often but when I do (usually when parking in city lots) it is nice to have available instead of needing to go back to my car and look. Similar to others, I also have childhood video game codes memorized (the Konami code comes to mind first). Great post! I’m looking forward to seeing the other comments.
You know, I’ve experienced the same thing with my license plate. Perhaps it’s because we so rarely need that information?