The concept of credit has been around for centuries, but it hasn’t been until recent decades when the technology was available to centralize the practice and allow people to carry a card that represented their credit lines. Companies like American Airlines and Western Union pioneered the use of cards in the middle of the 20th century, allowing consumers to buy from various businesses without carrying cash.
This infographic by CreditSesame breaks down the long history of the credit card. Click to enlarge.
(Via: Credit Sesame. H/T: Peoria Chevrolet Dealer)