YOU can buy a lot of chocolate buttons with a gold card. And if all those Tweenies toys seem a little pricey, don't worry. American Express? That'll do nicely.

It is absurd, and not a little disturbing, that two-year-old Chloe Wheldrick was sent a credit card application. And American Express's response to its blunder says a lot about the attitude of those who peddle plastic.

The company should be thoroughly ashamed of itself. Instead, its spokeswoman appears unmoved by the whole affair.

Just a mix-up, she says; Chloe's name had somehow appeared on the electoral register, apparently making her fair game. No suggestion of an apology, no recognition of the security implications, no review of procedure.

It is bad enough that the electoral roll, a crucial component of our democracy, is now hawked to global corporations.

But American Express's failure to make even the most basic check on the people it targets is astounding.

Unfortunately, this seems all too typical of credit card companies' voracious, unregulated activities which have left Britain drowning in debt.

Every household receives several offers of "instant spending power" every week. Most go straight in the bin.

But those who are most vulnerable to the temptation, and least able to afford it, succumb in their thousands. Single mums and pensioners see credit cards as instant salvation, only to become burdened with a lifetime of debt.

Last month, MPs were fiercely critical of credit card companies, saying they "badly let down" customers. If anyone can prove that more regulation is essential, it is little Chloe Wheldrick.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, April 29, 2004