"Car enthusiasts have a different relationship with their credit cards..."

LOS ANGELES—A recent study has uncovered a habit among car enthusiasts: an astonishing 99.2% of them memorize their credit card numbers within just 21 days of activation. Researchers from the Useless Technicals Institute found that, while most people remember their card numbers only when absolutely necessary, automotive enthusiasts seem to do so almost instinctively.

"Car enthusiasts have a different relationship with their credit cards,” explained Dr. Jenna Wallace, lead researcher on the study. “The enthusiasm for modifications, upgrades, and accessories means they’re constantly getting into large amounts of debt. Memorizing the number is simply a side effect.”

The study tracked spending behaviors and memory retention among 5,000 participants across various hobbies. Only car enthusiasts consistently memorized their card information in under a month. While other hobbyists, like tech aficionados and home chefs, also showed higher-than-average spending tendencies, none could match the quick retention rate seen in the car community.

“I don’t know exactly when I memorized it, but one day I just stopped having to go get my wallet,” said Enrique Martinez, a 32-year-old tuner from Austin. "Why are you saying this like it's a bad thing?"

Interestingly, this trend seems to apply regardless of the car enthusiast's income level. The study found that both high-end luxury car owners and DIY tuners displayed similar memory habits. “I guess it makes sense when you’re forgetting what everything costs it leaves more room in my brain for better numbers, like credit card numbers,” commented Karen Lowe, who has a growing collection of car parts she hasn't installed in months.

With this near-universal trend among car fans, researchers suspect the memorization may be more than convenience—it may reflect the emotional attachment many enthusiasts feel toward their automotive investments.