In 2009, a number of improvements were made to credit card statements and agreements in an effort to help consumers better understand their credit card policies.  The 2010 Dodd-Frank law created a federal agency, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, for protecting consumers against potentially abusive practices of mortgage lenders and credit card companies.  On Wednesday, December 6^th, the Obama administration announced another initiative for helping consumers understand their credit card terms, as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has discovered that consumers are still confused over credit card issues.
There are more than 500 million credit cards in circulation in the United States, accounting for about $700 billion of household debts.
Bank Industry Concerns
Banking industry officials expressed concerns over the initiative which would result in credit…

With more people in search of savings and deals for the 2011 holiday shopping season, credit card issuers are offering more aggressive cash back programs and increased rewards points earnings in an effort to entice customers to use their credit card over the competition.
American Express
Shopping from specific brands including Apple and Target during Cyber Week of November 21^st to November 30^th will allow American Express cardholders to earn five times the normal rewards points.
Amazon Rewards Card
Buying digital downloads from Amazon.com on your Amazon rewards card between November 15^th and December 31^st offers additional rewards points to cardholders.
Discover Card
Cash back Discover card members will earn 5% to 10% additional cash back when shopping specific retailers on Discover’s…

Applying for a new credit card should serve as a reminder for all consumers to take a refresher course in what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to a consumer credit profile. Just one mistake concerning personal finances can produce long-lasting consequences that can hurt you financially.
Here are some of the basic concepts of what not to do with your credit and credit cards. All consumers need to review this information to ensure your credit stays on track and in your favor:
Do Not: Submit Too Many Applications for Credit
Every time a consumer submits an application for credit, it has an impact on a credit score. With multiple credit cards applications being submitted in a short period of time, credit scores…