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Credit Cards

Credit cards offer great convenience but can quickly snowball into a load of debt if the card holder is unable to pay off the balance each month. It is important to shop around for rates and terms. Consumers also have options if they are having problems with their credit card company. This section describes some of the work Empire Justice Center and other consumer advocates do around credit cards, how to shop around for an affordable credit card, and the options available for addressing problems with credit card companies.

ARTICLES

Secured Credit Card Survey reveals deals and ‘steals’
Consumer Action releases its Secured Credit Card Survey of credit cards designed for those with damaged credit or no credit record, and that can offer a “road map” to regain the safety net that wisely used credit can provide. Read More

Financial Protections Consumers Need Now
The March 2011 issue of Consumer Reports magazine describes some of what the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can do for you. Read More

To comply or to defy
In its first major effort to roll back part of last year’s Dodd-Frank financial-reform law, the banking industry is going after that statute’s attempt to sharply reduce the so-called interchange or “swipe” fees that banks collect with every debit-card purchase. Read More


Credit Cards: Articles


IN THE NEWS

One Couple’s Ordeal With Credit Card and Housing Debt
Twelve-step programs often talk about the moment of clarity, when an addict starts to understand just how dire the situation has become. For Karawynn Long, 42, and Jak Koke, 47, it arrived in 2005, when they crossed the $40,000 mark on their credit card bills. Read More

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau releases initial report on credit card complaints
Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a report on its first three months of collecting credit card complaint data while also asking the public for feedback on a proposed policy for releasing consumer complaint data in the future. Read More


Credit Cards: In the News


POLICY ADVOCACY

Empire Justice Memo of Support: Pass the Consumer Credit Fairness Act
The Consumer Credit Fairness Act would prevent debt buyers from continuing to exploit gaps in our state’s Civil Practice Law and Rules, while allowing legitimate cases to proceed. Read More

Empire Justice Center Testimony Before Joint Committees on Consumer Affairs and Aging
Addressing Consumer Scams Affecting Senior Citizens. Read More


Credit Cards: Policy Advocacy



NEWSLETTERS

Legal Services Journal - Fall 2009 Issue
In this issue of the Legal Services Journal, you will find articles on Disability Benefits, Domestic Violence, Public Benefits, Health, Child Care, Consumer and Community Development, Civil Rights, Immigrant Rights and Child Support. Read More




RESOURCES

Shopping for a credit card
It is important to shop around for the best rates and terms on a credit card. Read More

Consumer Action 2011 Fall Issue: Secured Credit Card Survey
One of the few ways to build a credit record or to rebuild a damaged credit history is with a secured credit card. Read More

Credit card company problems
If you have a problem with your credit card company, first call the company and try to resolve the problem. Read More


Credit Cards: Resources