1974 How To Make Money With Your Credit Cards Print Ad

Gary Halbert’s 1974 print ad for How To Turn Plastic Into Gold is a masterclass in curiosity-driven copy. It hooks you with one irresistible promise: there’s hidden money sitting in your wallet right now.

Why This Ad Works

• Big bold headline that screams benefit: “Make Money With Your Credit Cards.”
• Curiosity gap: what does “turn plastic into gold” even mean?
• Conversational hook that feels personal, not salesy.
• Easy, believable payoff: learn tricks in “about 45 minutes.”
• Emotional twist: guilt-free promise that makes saving sound fun.

Real-World Examples

• The Wall Street Journal’s “Two Young Men” letter does the same curiosity storytelling.
• Apple transforms complex tech into “magical” promises.
• Credit Karma’s “Find money that’s yours” mirrors Halbert’s “hidden money” angle.