We’ve all seen the “no credit card required” offers promoting new products and services.  With no credit card required, there’s no obligation, right?  So, you check out the offer and you’re sold (remember – no obligation, right?)!  You provide all of your contact information on the form (what’s the risk?), hit “next”, but wait, there’s more!  Often times you DO need a credit card for that product, service or trial.  Isn’t that frustrating?  

Yes it is – and now they’ve got your information, but you don’t have the product, but you’re hooked!  All too often, ”no credit card required” means “sign up using your PayPal, BillMeLater or checking account”.  Well, what if you don’t have one of those?  What if you’re like 23% of the US population (and growing) who don’t have a credit card, or got beat up on credit because of the economy, but you’ve got the funds to make purchases (just not going to add to your debt)? 

The good news is that there are alternative payments, and “credit card-less” systems out there, and more people are choosing not to use a credit card for online payments.   According to Javelin Research, the overall projected growth for online payments is expected to climb to $268 billion by 2013, from around $150 billion today because people want more payment options.   

So, what do you do when you’ve provided your personal information to a company and it wasn’t quite what you expected?  Do the same thing you’d do when you’re dissatisfied with a meal at a restaurant.  Let them know.  Usually, the business will remove your information.  Got any other ideas?