If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a credit card that offers rewards such as points, cash back, or miles. Credit card rewards programs are extremely popular: Nearly seven in 10 Americans use at least one rewards-earning card. Many people even have multiple cards. But what you might not know is how those rewards are paid for. No, it’s not the credit card companies—it’s the person in line behind you at the corner store who used cash to pay for their items. Vox’s Emily Stewart (@emilystewartm) explains.

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Read Emily’s story here.

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