ConsumerLoanWire.com

Beginning April 1 consumer access to a free, federally mandated annual credit report from the three major credit bureaus will be simplified.

The first reform of the Credit Card Act of 2009 is now in affect with more laws to follow in August.

Bank of America is offering new customers a $75 bonus for opening new My Access Checking Accounts.

Visa and MasterCard have both suspended the use of credit card transactions that fund online gambling accounts.

MasterCard won six awards, including Best Overall Corporate University, at the 11th annual Corporate University Xchange Awards for Excellence and Innovation.

Analysis of prepaid card industry has found that the rising popularity of prepaid cards are having a major impact on the profits of Visa and MasterCard.

Larry Flanagan, chief marketing officer and executive vice president, of MasterCard Worldwide, has been announced as a speaker at the Global Sports Industry Summit in Paris, France from September 28 – October 1.

Discover has launched Straight Talk, a series of online support articles and videos to help consumers understand credit card issues.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The MasterCard Foundation are founding a $16 million program through Opportunity International to provide access to savings accounts and agricultural loans in rural sub-Saharan Africa.

MasterCard has announced that they will be the inaugural sponsor of the American Payroll Association’s Money Matters National Education Day on Sept. 9, 2010 during National Payroll Week.

Plastic Cash International and MasterCard will now be offering MYPLASH open-loop prepaid gift cards and reloadable prepaid gift cards.

Discover has earned its 13th consecutive 1st place ranking in the 2010 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index. The Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index examines customer satisfaction and loyalty with 518 brands in 71 different consumer categories.

American Express is offering a $100 cash bonus after the first purchase with new Premier Rewards Gold Charge Card.

Hyatt and Chase have announced a multi-year partnership to create a Visa credit card to offer consumers reward points through Hyatt’s global loyalty program, Hyatt Gold Passport.

Capital One has agreed to refund annual membership fees, nearly $775,000 to customers who had the fees assessed after canceling accounts and having no outstanding balances.

Carroll school district, located in Southlake, Texas, is hoping to launch a Dragon affinity credit card to support the school district. Administrators have taken a proposal for an exclusive five-year contract with Capital One to school trustees.

The 2010 winter Olympics has brought Vancouver a 46% boost over credit card sales from the same time last year. Visitors to Vancouver spent $5.2 million on Visa credit cards on the opening day of the Olympic games.

Visa has announced that it will expand its No Signature Required program to include 98% of retailers on purchases of $25 or less.

Starbucks has announced that they have decided to not renew the Duetto Visa Card that began in 2003 and is a partnership with Chase Bank. Consumers will not lose any stored reward value on the credit card.

Bancorp Bank Payment Solutions Group of Bancorp Bank has joined with InsurCard to offer consumers an instant issue prepaid card to North American Risk Services for their property and workers compensation claims.

Bank of America just announced they reached a milestone on their journey to becoming a more user-friendly company. The company has reached over 1 million “Clarity Commitments”, a new one-page summary mailed out to potential homebuyers.

U.S. Bank announced the expansion of its Brookfield, Wisc. Credit card issuing technology unit. The bank will be hiring 60 new employees with the expansion. The bank’s technology and operations service group currently has about 300 employees.

The MasterCard Foundation and the Equity Group Foundation launched a new scholarship program to provide $4.6 million in educational support to 676 Kenyan students over the next five years.

Credit card hackers steal credit data from the hotel industry more than any other industry.

The Subaru Platinum MasterCard from Chase offers rewards in Subaru dollars. Cardholders will earn 3% in Subaru Reward Dollars with a maximum of $500 per year.

The Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase has introduced enhanced rewards for the frequent-guest program.

The economic downturn has forced many consumers to make difficult financial choices, one of them being the choice to make a credit card payment or a mortgage payment.

As the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics approach companies are searching for new ways to connect to the Olympic spirit.

Many New Year’s resolutions were made to reduce debt and improve financial stability, but now people have to figure out how to make the resolutions happen. An improved credit score is possible in 5 steps that many consumers forget to take.

In some Washington D.C. areas parking meters will now accept credit card payments instead of coins. The new meters will be found in five different locations with short term parking spaces with high turnover rates.

American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase and Citibank have all announced plans to allow cardholders to redeem reward points for cash donations to various relief organizations in Haiti.

Even though many consumers were feeling the credit crunch, many still used credit cards more than they had planned to during the holiday season a survey from Consumer Reports found.

The city of Honolulu Hawaii has just announced that they will begin accepting credit cards and electronic checks for property tax payments. Payments will be accepted online or by telephone.

A new card for Chicago Cubs fans has been released by Bank of America. The Major League Baseball Extra Bases Credit card now features the Cubs logo and offers rewards for all fans.

MasterCard and US Airways are partnering to offer travel rewards to vacationers booking travel on US Airways and paying with a MasterCard. The promotion will save travelers up to $300 on vacations to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico.

American Express and Lowe’s have partnered to launch Lowe’s Business Rewards Card, a credit card for small business owners, in March.

The Bank of America Upromise MasterCard offers $25 in college savings after the first qualified purchase with the card, 2% additional college savings on gas purchases at Exxon and Mobile, and 1% savings on all other purchases.

MasterCard will be waiving interchange fees on all donations made to The American Red Cross, AmeriCares, UNICEF, Save the Children and CARE USA on U.S. issued MasterCards.

Knowledgeable consumers need to know their credit score but many companies offering for purchase credit reports require ongoing enrollment.

When consumers pay with a bankcard linked to a checking or savings account choosing to run the card as credit rather than debit can protect from fraud and liability.

Bank of America has introduced a new line of credit cards with the BankAmericard Rewards Visa Signature cards. The new BankAmericard Visas offer a 0% APR for the first 7 to 10 billing cycles on purchases, balance transfers and direct deposits.

Many big banks have paid back the loans received during the bank bailout. Now they are paying billions in employee bonuses while the U.S. unemployment rate remains at a startling high over 10%.

Chase bank offers Chase Freedom Credit Cardholders a constant 1% cash back on all purchases and 3% cash back on purchases in different categories during each quarter.

The Nation has been putting out weekly magazines since 1865 and is America’s oldest weekly magazine. But as print journalism struggles to keep afloat, The Nation is turning to a branded Visa Platinum Rewards Card to help pay bills.

The Bancorp Bank Payment Solutions Group, of Bancorp Bank, announced a new collaboration with Univision Communications to release the Univision MasterCard Gift Card. Univision is the United State’s leading Spanish media company.

Most junk mail, or perceived junk mail, is quickly tossed aside before ever being opened. Bank and credit card notices often end up in that junk mail pile.

The Citi CashReturns MasterCard offers unlimited cash back for cardholders. The rewards card offers 1% cash back on every purchase and a 20% bonus on cash back rewards earned on all purchases for the first 12 months.

US Airways has announced new changes to Dividend Miles, its frequent flier program, changing the minimum mileage for some trips but adding new award levels for all flight destinations.

The Bank of America Rainbow Card Platinum Plus Visa is a tool in the fight for equality and civil rights for gay and lesbian communities.

For consumers with low credit scores or no credit history, a secured credit card can be one of the best options to build a healthier credit history. Secured credit cards require a deposit to be made to act as the credit line in case of missed payments.

Provident Bank, out of New York, is offering a Visa card with a 0% introductory APR on all purchases and balance transfers. After the introductory period the card has a variable interest rate of 8.99%-19.99% depending on credit history.

Bank and America is continuing its Museums on Us program into the new year offering free admission to participating museums Jan. 2, and 3 with a Bank of America ATM credit or check card and a valid Photo ID.

Citigroup has announced the end to a nearly 10-year relationship with Zales’ jewelers. Citigroup will not be renewing the company’s private-label credit card when it expires in March of 2010.

Disney and Chase have partnered to release a new Disney Rewards Visa Debit Card. The new card will give card carriers similar rewards to the Disney Rewards Chase Credit Card but is instead, linked to a debit account.

Popmoney, a service from CashEdge allows users to send money directly from one bank account to another without using a bank service. The money can be sent to an online bank account, an email address, or mobile number.

Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich announced a new agreement with six major banks that will no longer have arbitration clauses on new credit card terms.

Marfin Laiki Bank of Cyprus has worked with TSYS payment services firm to launch a new Visa card exclusively for the women of Cyprus.

Accor Hotels and MasterCard are partnering to offer MasterCard cardholders exclusive hotel deals and chances to win a variety of prize packages.

Sales reports show modest gains over the 2008 holiday season but sales are still low. November sales showed a surprising 1.3% increase but surveys show that shoppers still plan to spend less this holiday season than usual.

Visa has made the decision to terminate services to 100 merchants using questionable marketing called negative options to scam customers. The most common scam is billing customers for what appeared to be a free trial of a new product.

Gift cards continue to gain in popularity, but even with new limits on gift card fees retailers still make more money than is spent on merchandise. In 2009 nearly $5 billion of gift card funds were unspent.

Virgin Atlantic Airways is meeting competitors mileage offers by now offering up to 65,000 bonus miles for first year Virgin Atlantic American Express Card holders.

Blippy, a new internet service, allows users to publish credit card transactions to a social network.

Bank of America has completed repayments of $45 billion to the US government. The bank received the funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program last year as Congress made moves to relieve the economic downfall and credit crunch.

MasterCard announced the appointment of Kevin Stanton as President, MasterCard Advisors. MasterCard Advisors is the company’s professional services branch. The position will be effective Jan. 1, 2010.

As part of changing credit card legislation the Federal Reserve is proposing new laws that will require retailers who offer a store-issued credit card to verify the consumer’s ability to pay off debts.

American Express will soon launch Zync, a new charge card, for consumers in their 20’s. As a charge card Zync will require cardholders to pay the account off in full each month but will have lower fees.

Many airlines are offering frequent flier members bonus miles by making purchases at partnering retailers. By planning ahead shoppers can buy holiday gifts and begin saving for upcoming travel.

EA Sports and Visa are launching a prepaid debit card with a reward program. The program will let sports fans earn points to buy EA Sports games. Card users will receive reward points for all purchases made with the card.

Shopping sales over the Black Friday set new records despite declining shopper traffic. ShppperTrak reported that weekend sales increased 1.6% but that shopper traffic declined 1.1%.

Continental Airlines announced plans to require credit and debit cards for travelers making on-board purchases during flights. Some flights will still be able to accept cash payments for the time being.

Target Redcard cardholders may soon receive new rewards. Currently Redcard cardholders earn a coupon for 10% off one day’s purchases for each $1000 spent on the card. The company is now testing a new strategy in some markets.

New England Patriots fans can now show their support with an NFL Extra Points Platinum Plus Visa card from Bank of America.

Charge Large is a new board game inspired by the collapse of the credit card industry and the rise of predatory lending practices.

The United States central bank has faced criticism for not protecting consumers from risky lending practices so now they are sponsoring advertisements before movie previews at 12 theaters in major cities around the country. The ads will run Nov. 27 – Dec.

Citigroup has agreed to sell its Diners Club North America credit-card business to Bank of Montreal ending a 28-year relationship to the world’s first charge card.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation found that American online shoppers have had nearly $1.4 billion stolen from them in illegitimate credit card charges.

As Salvation Army volunteers head to their holiday posts in front of stores with bells and red kettles they will now be able to accept credit card donations.

Some Citibank credit card holders will now be able to avoid paying interest on credit cards by meeting a monthly spending limit. The move coincides with interest rate increases planned ahead of changing credit card legislation.

American Express has announced plans to buy Revolution Money from America Online founder Steve Case. Revolution Money is an online payment system that offers free online money transfers and PIN-based cards with significantly lower merchant fees.

Fair Isaac Corporation, the company that developed the FICO credit score, has introduced a new service to help lenders measure borrow risks.

A new email scam is circulating and luring in potential targets with a $50 reward for filling out a survey for Bank of America.

As more people are out holiday shopping, so are thieves. The busy holiday season, packed stores and shoppers in a hurry mean that thieves can steal wallets, purses and packages. With a little bit of extra vigilance, shoppers can protect themselves.

Spirit Airlines new programs will make it easier for Free Spirit MasterCard holders to earn free flights, and to earn them more often. The new program will allow cardholders to redeem miles for a free round-trip ticket using 5,000 reward miles.

Visa announced that it will release a new Reloadable Prepaid Debit Card that will be available in Winn-Dixie supermarkets next month.

Facebook users have a new tool, the MasterCard Priceless Gift Finder, to help them find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on the shopping list.

A quarterly survey conducted by the Federal Reserve found that banks have plans to increase rates, reduce credit limits and to raise annual fees as new laws take effect.

The technology to accept credit card payments in taxicabs is still relatively new, but the option to pay with plastic is gaining favor with both drivers and riders.

British Airways and Chase Card Services will soon be offering what may be the best reward program offered. The British Airways Visa Signature Card will offer 100,000 bonus reward miles as a sign-up bonus.

Many credit cards offer consumer benefits that cardholders may not be aware of. These benefits aren’t often used but can save consumers hundreds to thousands of dollars if used correctly.

New statistics from the Federal Reserve show that the annual revolving consumer credit debt fell 13.3% in September. That drop might indicate that consumers are paying debt off and using credit less.

OfficeMax is offering more than office supplies with the new OfficeMax Visa Signature and Rewards credit card issued by U.S. Bank.

A new email scam looks like an official email from Bank of America. The email is official in tone and may be stamped with the Bank of America logo. The email asks for information such as account number and PIN to correct unauthorized charges.

Visa is in the process of eliminating the requirement for signatures on credit card transactions by April 2013. Visa is transitioning to embedded security chips and PIN’s for increased consumer security.

The new Platinum Zero secured Visa credit card is ideal for consumers with a limited credit history or a poor credit score. The card allows consumers to set their own credit limit by making a secured deposit from $500 to $5000.

A new study by Pew Charitable Trust found that credit unions offer consumers the best credit cards in a time when bank offers are less attractive.

Amazon is offering consumers a new route to easier online payments with less hassle through PayPhrase. PayPhrase links Amazon and other online retailers to one card represented by a customized phrase and PIN.

Zong is a payment option that allows consumers to enter a 10-digit mobile number to charge virtual goods, such as online games and social network upgrades, to their phone bill.

New software from Rapadev called Road Merchant is an application for BlackBerry to allow the mobile device to process credit card transactions.

Australian airline, Jetstar, announced the launch of Jetstar MasterCard, a new low-rate credit card that earns Jetstar dollars and is exempt from flight booking fees. Consumers can begin applying for the card on Oct. 29, 2009.

Utility companies are rapidly switching from paper-based billing to electronic billing both to reduce paper waste and to improve efficiency. As electronic payments for utilities become more commonplace, MasterCard aims to lead the market.

Designer Kim Young Suk has created an all-in-one electronic card that can function as any credit or debit card as well as storing transaction information.

Viruses are spread from person to person as germs are transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces such as doors, desks, and money.

The Chicago Transit Authority board approved a new contract that will allow customers to pay at park-and-ride lots with credit rather than the current cash only system.

Paying at the pump is convenient, but can lead to a lack of available funds, overdrafts and fees. Many banks put a hold on funds, some up to $75, when a consumer uses a card to pay at the pump.

Customers are often quick to give out credit information to a caller who identifies himself as being from a bank or credit card company. But before giving out account information, consumers need to step back and consider the whole situation.

MasterCard launched Money Manager an online personal finance and budgeting service to help cardholders categorize and manage spending.

Bank of America recently announced that they will begin testing annual fees on nearly one percent of accounts. The fees will range from $29 to $99.

Major League Baseball and MasterCard Worlwide are extending their charitable partnership with Stand Up To Cancer through the 2009 postseason games.

Purdue’s Division of Financial Aid is joining in with Indiana Money Smart Week to offer students financial literacy information across campus on Thursday, Oct. 15. Topics will include money management, credit, spending and student loan debt management.

Free-Credit-Reports.com is a Web site designed as a consumer hub for all credit needs. The site offers information for small businesses, large corporations and individuals.

American Express announced the launch of its Premier Rewards Gold Card, which provides single, double and triple rewards points for a variety of daily purchases.

As the economy fell so did many consumers’ credit scores as they increasingly turned to credit without being able to make minimum payments.

Bank of America has announced that the company will not hike credit card interest rates or fees to preempt the new industry reform laws that take effect in February.

Discover announced that gasoline and convenience-store retailer Hess will now accept Discover Zip payment devices at more than 870 locations in the eastern United States by the end of this year.

Holiday sales typically make up almost half of merchants’ annual revenues, but with weak customer credit spending they are preparing for a bleak fourth quarter.

Consumers are in greater need of financial advice as personal finances get more complicated. Yet many consumers cannot afford, or do not want to spend money on a personal financial adviser.

Prepaid cards are an increasingly popular option for consumers with poor credit or who cannot get credit. Prepaid cards have no credit check and are touted as being safer than cash while offering the same convenience as credit or debit.

Suffolk County, New York investigators warn of a debit card scam in which credit union members are sent a text or voice message advising them their debit card has been deactivated.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is fighting back against scam artists trying to benefit from consumers' financial struggles.

Bank of America is hosting museum admissions for cardholders around the country. Cardholders will receive free general admission into participating museums, zoos, science centers and other cultural centers as part of the "Museums on Us" program.

Companies have traditionally targeted college students as potential customers, but with new credit card regulations many companies are finding alternatives.

American Express announced it will eliminate monthly fees on gift cards. This decision goes beyond the legislation requiring limits on gift card fees and is likely to put pressure on competing gift card issuers to remove their fees as well.

Moody’s Investors Service reports that the United States charge-off rate fell to 10.52 percent, down more than .2 percent from June.

Stanford students now have the ability to use their student ID card as a credit card at various campus locations. The Stanford CardPlan is newly implemented and allows students to charge up to $1000 on the card.

Bank of America is offering its customers a cash reward for paying bills online. Current customers will receive $25 cash back for making two online bill payments within a 30-day period using an existing personal or small business checking account.

Many convenience stores, markets and coffee shops charge customers a fee for credit and debit purchases under $5.

Credit scores can take a dramatic tumble after events such as bankruptcy, divorce or loan defaults. While a strong credit score takes time to rebuild, there are some immediate steps that can be taken to move in the right direction.

Members of the Illinois Farm Bureau can apply for an IFB Visa through the Illinois Agricultural Association Credit Union and help support local agricultural programs.

The Citi PremierPass Elite MasterCard is offering new customers 20,000 reward points.

A recent survey from the American Bankers Association revealed that customers preferred online banking to any other method of transactions.

The prepaid MasterCard from AchieveCard offers 100 percent approval for customers, offering consumers a valuable financial tool.

Bank of America is introducing a new overdraft fee policy to take effect October 19. The new policy comes as the industry faces criticism for practices that are considered excessive and harmful to customers.

Chase is introducing a new line of business cards called, “Ink from Chase.” The line includes a charge card, Ink Bold, that must be paid in full each billing cycle.

The MasterCard Foundation and Women’s World Banking announced the creation of a WWB Center for Microfinance Leadership. WWB is a global network of microfinance institutions and banks that are dedicated to the economic empowerment of low-income women.

Web Credit Advisors has written and published a 60-page guide for consumers to manage their own finances and get out of debt.

Whole Foods Market and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market have decided to no longer accept checks at checkout.

Credit card thieves are revamping an old scam to steal credit card information from veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs is warning military veterans that phone calls asking for credit card information is fraudulent and not from the VA.

The city of Alexandria, LA offered its residents a workshop to support education regarding making financially profitable choices and strengthening credit.

More than 20 million Chase credit cards have been updated with Blueprint - a set of tools to help cardholders control spending and reduce debt. The new program is in reaction to decreased consumer spending on credit cards as they try to lower debts.

Bank of America has announced the launch of a new Basic Visa card that offers the convenience of a credit card, but with one basic rate for all transactions. The rate will not change over the life of the account.

Barwood taxis, based out of Kensington, Maryland, will now allow riders to pay by credit card. Riders can swipe their own card via a terminal in the back seat.

Capital One CEO Richard Fairbank has predicted the credit-card industry will remain static in coming years as de-leveraging measures change the industry.

Finding the best credit card can be an arduous task. During a struggling economy, coupled with changes to the credit industry, the search can be near impossible.

The Institute of Consumer Financial Education, based out of San Diego, is offering a new credit education program that will allow those under 21 to qualify for credit.

The Amazon.com Rewards Visa card offers $30 cash back on an Amazon.com purchase within the first few days of purchase using the card and double reward points for all purchases made in the first 90 days.

Credit card users are granted a number of protections under new laws and regulations associated with the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act.

Bank of America’s new Add It Up program offers customers cash back on purchases made using Bank of America credit or debit card.

HSBC customers with an online savings account will earn $50 by opening an online payment account and making three HSBC Debit MasterCard purchases by Oct. 31, 2009.

Citi and Shell announced that the co-branded Shell MasterCard will reduce cash back rewards on fuel purchases from 3 percent to 1 percent.

National banks have long been considered to have an advantage by being able to offer more services at lower costs. But new banking and credit laws are making small, local banks more attractive.

Many people mistakenly believe that they aren’t at risk for identity theft since they don’t have many financial assets to steal. But credit card thieves aren’t just looking for money or access to credit cards.

New credit card laws taking effect in February 2010 will change the requirements for those under 21.

After a dramatic decrease in credit card mailings, credit card companies are responding with a new tactic. They are heavily marketing to more affluent consumers with premium credit cards.

Credit card companies currently require retail merchants to store credit card data from purchases. They are also required to invest heavily in technology and other safety measures to protect the credit information from data thieves.

Bank of America Corp. named Andrew Plepler as the company's first consumer policy executive. The new position was created in an effort to connect lenders and advocacy groups that have criticized credit card fees and home loan modifications.

Many consumers are seeing credit card limit reductions as card issuers try to protect themselves in a changing economy. But there are steps that card holders can take to prevent card limit reductions.

In a joint effort, Elvis Presley Enterprises and CardPartner will release a new Elvis Presley Visa affinity Platinum Rewards card. A majority of the proceeds from the affinity card will benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation.

Debit card overdraft fees can hurt consumers who are already struggling financially. Banks allow debit card transactions that exceed available funds to successfully process as a courtesy to consumers and avoid embarrassing situations.

Discover is offering 5 percent cashback bonuses on certain purchases from October through December.

Debit cards are quickly becoming a major revenue source for financial institutions. Mismanaged accounts by consumers can result in mounting overdraft fees that can lead to financial disaster.

Many credit card users have used the same credit card for years. While having one card with a lengthy history helps boost a credit score, there might be benefits to shopping around for the best card options.

Chicago's Metra train is rolling out its new Web site and accepting credit cards to purchase train tickets.

Paying off credit balances each month can be potentially harmful to a consumers credit score, despite conventional wisdom that advises cardholders to pay down balances quickly to maintain healthy credit scores.

Debit cards are slowly becoming the card of choice for American consumers. Consumers are scaling back spending and trying to reduce debt by avoiding credit cards.

Consumers are trying to keep accounts as healthy as possible, as credit companies tighten restrictions and lower consumer limits in response to a struggling economy and new legislation.

Wal-Mart employees will no longer receive a paper paycheck. The retailer announced it will begin paying employees via direct deposit into a bank account or depositing into a MasterCard prepaid debit card account.

Discover was a customer favorite in many categories of the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 credit card satisfaction study.

Citi has launched Forward, a new credit card that will reward cardholders for healthy spending habits and maintaining a good credit history.

Managed Health Services, an Indianapolis based healthcare provider is rewarding its members with MasterCard Debit Cards for making proactive healthy choices.

The security of up to 242 university-funded credit cards has been compromised, the University of Vermont recently discovered.

American Express launched a major advertising campaign on Tuesday, urging card users to "Take Charge."

The book, "A Survival Guide to Debt," authored by financial expert Mitchell Allen of the Debt Education and Certification Foundation, offers straight-forward financial advice that is beneficial to all consumers struggling in the economy.

Whataburger restaurants will soon have the necessary equipment and technology to begin accepting MasterCard PayPass.

Many retailers ask to see identification when customers pay using a credit card.

MasterCard and CyberShift are providing MasterCard issuers with CyberShift’s Expense Management Automation solution

The PCI Security Standards Council released new recommendations and best practices for retailers to protect against credit and debit card skimming scams

Consumers are increasingly turning to debit cards, but debit cards are less secure and more attractive to thieves

Dynamic Card Solutions (DCS), the leading instant card issuer, announced that GreenBank has begun issuing instant MasterCard debit card at the branch level using DCS’ patented Card Wizard software.

Bank of America Corp announced Friday that it would be adding Robert Scully to its board of directors.

As many consumers look for a way to rebuild credit or to get credit in a tightening credit market, prepaid cards are gaining in popularity.

The Marriot Rewards Visa card offers a variety of rewards programs for travelrs ranging from families who take annual vacations to the business traveler spending multiple nights away from home each month.

The first phase of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act become law last week.

As a new wave of students start college and being using credit cards, Citi and mtv are offering a platinum select visa card that rewards students for responsible habits.

Citigroup is now instituting annual fees on some current credit card accounts.

As the credit industry adapts to both the struggling economy and new credit industry regulations, many are lowering consumer credit rates.

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be aware of new credit card scams and debt reduction companies fishing for business.

Radisson, a global hotel chain, has issued a public alert about a security breach that left customer credit information vulnerable.

Quicken Rewards Visa credit card is now offering new cardholders a $30 cash back bonus on their first purchase.

Chase introduces Sapphire, a new rewards card offering unlimited rewards without restrictions.

Consumers in the market for new electronics should consider opening a SonyCard Reward Visa and receiving a $100 card credit with qualifying purchases.

The first parts of new credit card regulations will become laws on Thursday, Aug. 19.

Marketing platform, edo Interactive, has partnered with Aentra to provided consumers a new way to give monetary gifts.

The Virginia Credit Union is hosting a free seminar “Surviving the Economy”, Thursday evening at the Hull Street branch of the Richmond Public Library.

Visa Inc. and Fifth Third Bancorp are testing a new technique to prevent in-person credit card fraud.

Public sector lender, Punjab National Bank is aiming to issue 200,000 global credit cards by March 2010.

PartnersFirst is a small credit-card company that is making big waves by offering new credit cards without fees.

The Service Employees International Union found its match with ParnersFirst to offer customers a consumer-friendly credit card.

Bank of America has changed its policy that required binding arbitration between its credit card holders and banking customers and the bank.

While a strong credit score can certainly improve loan terms, it is still possible to qualify for an auto loan with a low credit score.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new measure into law to restrict credit card marketing at public and private college campuses in the state. The new law bars colleges from selling student names and contact information to credit card companies.

Discover has released a new biodegradable credit card as part of its focus on sustainability and eco-responsibility. The new credit card style can be used with any Discover credit card.

Consumers owe it to themselves to find out all of the important information about a credit card before applying for it.

The Chase Platinum Visa is a card with great benefits for consumers who qualify. It offers one of the industry's best packages for a platinum credit card.

In June Americans paid down credit card debt while avoiding adding new debts, according to the Federal Reserve's latest figures.

MasterCard is giving away new priceless moments in the form of a new pair of jeans and a vacation to make sure the jeans are properly broken in.

Credit cardholders who use airline rewards often fail to utilize many other rewards offered. Picking the right travel card depends on the type of travel for each cardholder.

American Express and Discover have both announced that they will no longer charge cardholders an over-limit fee on credit cards.

With more travelers choosing to stay closer to home and save money, using a MasterCard can help make travel a bit more affordable.

Wisconsin police are warning consumers about a new trend in credit card theft. Thieves using text messages can gain cardholder information.

MasterCard has made a million dollar pledge to educational programs in the St. Louis region.

Credit card issuers often make mistakes reporting to the credit bureaus, which can significantly impact consumer credit reports.

Credit card companies are revamping and increasing the number of credit card mailings, despite historic lows throughout the industry and a struggling U.S. economy.

PartnersFirst Affinity Services announced that the University of Nebraska Alumni Association would be partnering with the service to issue a Husker Rewards Visa credit card.

WestJet, a leading Canadian airline, is launching a new travel rewards card with MasterCard.

As more people are affected by the economic downturn, banks and credit card issuers are working to help delinquent cardholders keep up with payments and get back on track.

Bank of America has hired Sallie Krawcheck, a former Citigroup executive, to run the bank’s global wealth management unit.

Pentagon Federal Credit Union realized that back to school expenses can quickly add up and are offering customers five percent cash back on eligible expenses.

Bank of America has launched a new credit card promotion offering customers a $50 credit on a new Visa Cash Rewards Card.

A new apple attachment called Square is allowing Apple retail stores to use iPhones and the iPod Touch to ring up customers.

Understanding how a FICO credit score is calculated is an important part of managing personal credit.

Chase and United Airlines are making travelers dreams come true with three new premium visa credit cards with different rewards and benefits for travelers.

MasterCard is one of the largest credit card issuers and is becoming a big player in the prepaid market for consumers who might not qualify for a traditional credit card.

Many consumers don’t have the necessary credit score to qualify for traditional credit cards, but secured and prepaid cards are quickly immerging as a popular choice for consumers looking to build or rebuild a credit history.

Public Savings Bank has released a new Visa secured credit card with a quick and easy application process.

Cashback rewards cards allow consumers to earn money by spending money, but only if the credit card is managed correctly.

The Surfrider Foundation has announced a partnership with Visa to release a Platinum Reward card to support the Surfrider’s dedication to saving the world’s oceans and waves

Swagbucks, a search engine that rewards users with digital dollars redeemable for prizes, is now offering a $10 MasterCard gift card in exchange for 135 swagbucks.

MasterCard has created an iPhone application to allow consumers to share “priceless” places, things, bargains and more.

The Reserve Bank in India is taking new steps to prevent fraudulent credit charges by requiring more information from consumers making online credit card transactions.

Boston Mass. Commuters using the Charlie Card to access the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority system can now pay for travel cards online.

The Linux foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth of Linux, announced the offering of a Linux affinity Visa Platinum credit card to support the advance of the Linux operating system.

The National Bank of Canada has released the Premia Business MasterCard for small business owners or the self employed as a money management tool.

Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, will now allow customers the convenience of using MasterCard PayPass, a contactless payment system, in stores.

Visa Inc. announced Monday, July 27, that company President John Morris will step down from his role and leave the company at the end of the year.

As unemployment rates continue to increase, more and more consumers are falling behind on credit card payments without a way to catch up.

Credit card laws are changing banking practices as many credit card issuers switch cards to variable rates. New credit card laws are requiring credit card issuers to alert consumers of any change in interest rates 45 days before the change takes effect.

Residents of San Marcos, Texas can attend a sponsored seminar to learn the basics of responsible credit use.

The World of Warcraft Rewards Visa card is the first of its kind to use game time as a reward rather than cash or travel incentives.

Bank of America and Hill’s Pet Nutrition have partnered to offer the PetRewards Visa card, a new credit card with rewards for purchases for pets. The new card can be customized with a pet’s picture for those consumers eager to show off their fur babies.

Residents of Douglas County, Colorado might find a trip to the motor vehicle office more convenient now that credit cards are accepted.

Credit card issuers look for any indication that a consumer might be struggling financially. Companies are lowering limits, raising interest and now monitoring some card charges in an effort to protect themselves against rising consumer charge-offs.

Although it can feel near impossible for consumers with low credit scores to get a credit card, there are available options. The terms may not be preferable but these cards can help rebuild a bad credit history.

As consumers look for more ways to protect their money and credit scores, Visa responds with a new text messaging service. The service is being touted as a way for customers to deal with card fraud and have more tools for money management.

The global economy is sinking and new laws are cracking down on credit card companies, but that hasn’t slowed credit card growth. Visa is leading the charge on international growth.

Many factors help determine the terms of a credit card agreement.

Many credit card users make the mistake of letting credit card debt escalate and not having a plan in place to pay down the debt.

Now Washington Redskins fans can show team spirit with a new NFL Extra Points Platinum Visa Credit card from Bank of America.

Urban Trust Bank is teaming with Visa to offer the Urban Trust Success Card in an effort to become a leader in the prepaid debit market.

Many credit card providers offer a variety of cash back rewards; but it’s worth reading all of the fine print and comparing offers before making a card choice.

American Express and Capital One both reported a decline in credit card delinquencies for the month of June. This is one small sign that the economy may be turning.

The established big name credit card companies often have some of the best rewards programs, but for some consumers store credit cards are tough to beat.

Bank of America unveiled its new, "Add it Up" shopping Web site, which will provide customers cash back on top of retailers' discounts and credit card rewards. All online banking customers can register their eligible credit or debit card for free.

Credit cards, ATM cards and debit cards are widely used to make purchases, both in person and electronically, creating opportunities for thieves. Not only can cards get stolen or lost, but the numbers can be stolen as well.

Pentagon Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum rewards card offers great rewards and benefits at a low interest rate. The first step is becoming a member of Pentagon Federal Credit union, which specializes in serving the military.

Schwab Bank and Visa have partnered to create a credit card that automatically deposits cash back rewards into a Schwab One brokerage account each month.

Credit card theft is an increasing problem and thieves are getting more clever in the ways they obtain personal information to make fraudulent charges. With increased awareness consumers can safeguard themselves against theft.

Credit cards are convenient but often come with a price in the form of fees and interest. With some planning it is possible to avoid many of the most common fees.

Debit cards tout the ultimate in convenience — access to cash at hand without having to write a check and wait for funds to process and transfer. But that convenience can come at a high and often unexpected cost.

Virtual credit and debit cards are a little known service that keeps personal payment information private by creating a one-time use number for online purchases. The PayPal virtual card is a MasterCard number used in place of a credit or debit card number

Western Union, a money transfer service company, is making changes in to its Western Union Gold Card. The Western Union Gold Card is the company’s global consumer loyalty program and is now being replaced with a reloadable Visa prepaid credit card.

As consumers feel the credit squeeze, Citi’s offer of zero percent APR on balance transfers and new purchases might be a necessary tool to relieve credit stress.

While moving debt from card to card, or using credit to pay off debt is a risky decision, credit card offers with low introductory rates can be key to lowering debt. As credit card companies court new customers they offer low rates and fees.

As the economy sinks and credit becomes harder to come by and more expensive for those who have it, identity thefts are becoming an even bigger concern. There are steps that consumers can take every day to protect themselves.

Wells Fargo offers a Visa secured credit card as an alternative to traditional cards. The service is available for consumers with poor or zero credit history.

Secured credit cards are an attractive alternative for those who cannot qualify for a traditional card due to a lack of credit history or poor credit. A secured credit card allows the consumer to build or repair credit history.

When the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 becomes law, it will become difficult for anyone under the age of 21 to get a credit card.

U.S. Bank and TACA airlines, a premier airline to North, Central and South America, have partnered to offer the new DISTANCIA Visa and DISTANCIA Visa Signature credit cards.

Visa has entered the market of prepaid cards with the Visa RushCard. The RushCard is touted as offering the convenience of a credit card without the debt — and its a safer alternative to cash.

During a struggling economy and tightening budgets, vacations are one of the first things to go as people reduce spending and shrink budgets.

Credit is often the most convenient way to make purchases while traveling, but without being prepared, consumers find unexpected fees or other complications.

American Express announced a return to a charge card to lure back credit shy consumers.

Texas Dow Employees Credit Union has entered the elite credit card market with its Onyx Card.

In Canada it can be nearly impossible to accomplish many every day purchases without credit, but Canada has a Muslim population of one million people that follow Islamic law which forbids the charging or payment of interest.

The government has made many efforts to boost the floundering credit market, but banks are still not offering new credit cards to consumers.

Discover Financial Services has launched a new program to allow customers to receive mobile reminders about accounts.

Debit cards are quick and convenient, but for those that pay credit card balances in full each month, credit offers many more benefits to consumers.

Credit is increasingly harder to get and the price of using credit continues to rise.

As gas prices roll over the $3 mark, Hyundai announced a new program guaranteeing a year’s worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon on most Hyundai models leased or purchased between July 1 and Aug.

Visa and McDonalds are offering free comprehensive money management tools to more than 500,000 restaurant-level McDonald’s employees in an effort to increase financial literacy and responsibility.

Changes in the credit card industry are coming, but for those getting a credit card before the changes, Bankrate.com has issued guidelines for choosing credit wisely.

An increasing number of college students are turning to credit cards to cover tuition bills, but now many public and private universities are including fees for credit card payments.

The banking industry received a large bailout but is not showing the same forgiveness to the people who will have to fund that bailout.

Visa has released a Platinum Rewards Card in partnership with the New York Film Academy to let purchases support the arts.

New credit card regulations are making it more difficult for people under 21 to qualify for a credit card. The new regulations are aimed at growing credit card abuse by teens who do not understand the responsibilities and requirements of using credit.

For parents struggling to pay tuition in the Bridgehampton school district, a decision to allow credit card tuition payments could bring relief.

Discover Financial Services is one of the most forgiving credit card companies according to a Bankrate.com study.

The skies are a bit friendlier for DeltaSky members carrying an American Express SkyMiles credit card.

Budgeting seems like a simple step towards financial stability, but it is a step that many people never take and even actively avoid.

Many out of the proliferation of offers from so-called debt negotiation "experts" are part of the problem facing troubled borrowers, according to financial writers.

U.S. households are now receiving fewer credit card offers by mail, but more of the offers they receive are for cards carrying an annual fee, according to Mail Monitor, the direct mail tracking service from Synovate.

A New York couple with $25,000 in credit card debt, who say they haven’t missed payments, saw their minimum payment rise from $500 to $1,300 a month as their bank raised the minimum monthly payment from two percent to five percent.

Discover Financial Services was upgraded by an analyst on Monday, a sign the credit card company is strengthening its financial security.

Banks reacting to Congressional changes in credit card policies have begun raising fees for certain customers, according to published reports.

The Moody’s Investors Services saw the U.S. monthly credit card chargeoff rate beat a new record, surpassing 10 percent and hitting a six-month straight record high while unemployment also grew to a 26-year high.

While the average credit card debt increased last quarter by 0.82 percent, residents of Iowa, West Virginia and North Dakota lead the nation in the lowest rates, according to a new study by TransUnion.

A new charge card designed for teens is effectively turning an American Express card into a family charge card.

By summer 2010, new cell phones will be able to unlock doors, create real-time traffic maps and safe-guard credit cards, Hakan Djuphammar, Ericsson vice president of systems architecture, predicted at the mobile infrastructure company’s Business Innovatio

A MasterCard-linked college savings program is offering relief to anxious parents facing the financial burden of sending their children to college.

Seeking to respond to consumers who have become increasingly concerned with savings as the country’s economic crisis deepens, American Express launched a new line of FDIC-insured CDs and high-yield saving accounts, including a 24-month certificate of depo

Discover financial services honored 10 high-school juniors with $30,000 scholarships for college.

Frequent fliers know all too much about Clear, a travel vendor that fast-tracked people through security in airports.

A recent study by two Harvard University graduate students found that credit unions are less likely to charge the fees and penalties that the new Credit Act of 2009 hopes to eliminate. Further, the study states, when credit unions do charge fees commonly

Recent technological changes have helped taxi companies around the country address what taxi industry experts have called the most common complaint among riders: the inability to pay with credit or debit cards.

With the rise of identity fraud and fraudulent credit card purchases, consumers have become increasingly diligent about protection their buying power.

A recent study by SK&A Information Services found that 28 percent of all medical practices in the county do not accept credit cards for payments.

While debt-ridden consumers are getting loads of advice on how to negotiate with banks to pay off or eliminate credit card debt, the full impact of that decision is often lost in the hoopla.

With Congress passing new legislation that requires credit card companies to make fees more clear, consumers may better understand the financial consequences of paying late, making only mimimum payments or even how long it will take to pay the card off.

An Internet search through available card offers found that while banks are reducing the overall number of credit offers, particularly to those with troubled credit histories, opportunities for prepaid credit cards are on the rise.

With the pool of available credit dwindling, consumers should do everything they can to keep their credit score high.

CellCharge, a company that specializes in phone-based credit card transactions, announced this week it added the popular iPhone to the company’s list of services that can be used to process credit card transactions.

Consumers looking to take advantage of the best deals for credit cards have to surf carefully through the rolling waves of rising and falling rates, according to several recent surveys.

Banks and credit card companies, like all other businesses, wisely keep trade information about how they do business as close to the vest as possible. But recent action by Congress to scrutinize, and perhaps further regulate the credit card industry could

News of airline mergers and transitions are nothing new, but perhaps lost in the shuffle of the latest merger between Delta and Northwest is the change that will result for credit card holders who earn points and rewards for each airline.

The Better Business Bureau issued a news release this week warning consumers against automated phone calls that promise to help them lower interest rates on their credit cards.

U.S. credit card defaults rose to record highs in May, another sign that consumers remain under severe stress.

Faced with unprecedented numbers of troubled customers, credit card companies are settling delinquent accounts for substantially less than the amount owed, according to a report in the New York Times.

After lagging behind the bus system for years in letting passengers pay for fares with credit cards, Chicago’s Metra is now moving rapidly to catch up. The commuter rail system will begin selling monthly passes and 10-ride tickets online in September, off

Once a leading source of credit for small businesses, Advanta Corp., was forced to shut down all new credit card use in May in an attempt to shore up its troubled finances. American Express has since stepped in to offer new accounts to a number of Advanta

Consumers looking to take advantage of the best deals for credit cards have to surf carefully through the rolling waves of rising and falling rates, according to several recent surveys.

The sharp, continued drop in real estate sales has created a new opportunity for credit card companies and their customers, according to a report by Forbes.

The national average annual percentage rate on new credit card offers decreased this week, according the Weekly Credit Card Rate Report issued by creditcards.com.

Citibank recently expanded its Visa PremierMiles credit card to Korea. Since the program’s launch Citibank Korea has already issued 10,000 credit cards.

Discover has joined other major credit card issuers to release a new affinity card with Children’s Miracle Network.

Even high-end retailers are feeling the credit card pinch, a sure sign the current economic woes are hitting formerly strong borrowers.

Though the full weight of credit-card laws passed by Congress don’t kick in until February, some laws will begin to have an effect as early as August.

PULSE, an ATM service provider that serves more than 4,500 banks, credit unions and savings institutions nationwide, offers safety tips for customers using ATMs and debit card purchases.

The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor rose for the third straight month but consumer spending remains low.

The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor rose again in May for the third consecutive month. The Monitor rose two points in May to 86.2 on a 100 points scale. That is the highest that the Monitory’s index has been since September. The number of consumers that sa

BP Gasoline and JP Morgan Chase have partnered to offer consumers gas rebate cards with one of the highest rebates currently available.

Think paying a small percentage on purchases doesn’t matter to consumers these days? Think again.

Small businesses, particularly convenience stores, are looking for ways to pass along “swipe fees,” often their biggest expense, to consumers, according to reports in business journals.

Drivers passing through Ohio later this year will be allowed to pay tolls with credit or debit cards.

A new report suggests that warm weather means increased credit card sales from motivated consumers buying outdoor items like grills, landscaping supplies and summer clothing.

In the 1990s fewer than 10 percent of college kids had credit cards. Today, that figure tops 70 percent, a staggering rise that led directly to revisions in Congress’ credit card legislation targeting college-aged students.

Folks who make a living writing about consumer finance these days are increasingly dealing with the felt-need to reduce person debt and lower credit card payments.

American have relied increasingly less on credit card spending in recent months, according to Federal Reserve data released for May. But some industry experts have shown signs of a stabilization that suggests Americans have been at least slightly buoyed b

Despite the general trend to scale back credit offers and incentives, JP Morgan Chase and Co. introduced a new program for credit card rewards last week.

A 2009 survey by Securian Financial Group found that making timely credit card payments has dropped in priority by Americans struggling under the weight of the current economic crisis.

Though defaults on credit cards continue to hit record highs, a leading index showed delinquent payments dropped for the first time this year.

Two years ago, before the economic recession took hold, the average interest rate on credit cards was 16.3 percent according to a financial information group’s data.

Prepaid debit cards have gained a foothold with consumers seeking to safeguard themselves from past financial problems, according to financial analysts.

Bank of America announced new credit card, check card and checking account products that help support the fight against breast cancer through Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's leading breast cancer organization.

Under a new partnership announced recently, Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club Gold and Silver Members and holders of the Virgin Atlantic Black Card will receive complimentary Regus Businessworld Gold cards, which offers unlimited access to work from any of Re

Connecticut’s state Senate approved legislation that would restrict the ability of credit card companies to solicit college students as customers on Connecticut’s public college campuses.

American Express Co. believes it is ahead of the curve compared to its major rival companies in adjusting to the new credit card laws that will take effect in February because it depends less on interest paid by customers.

Identity Guard Total Protection has been named "Best in Class" for personal information monitoring services in Javelin Strategy and Research's 2009 Consumer Identity Protection Services Scorecard.

Identity thieves steal billions each year through credit card fraud, though often the consumer is unaware of how he or she has been compromised.

When budgets are tight, charitable donations can be of the first casualties. To combat that trend, Capital One Financial Corporation has announced a new program to allow customers to make donations to charities simply by using a credit card.

The daily commute got a little bit nicer for Delta Air Lines customers who fly between New York City and Boston or Washington D.C. from now through July 26.

Faced with uncharted economic threats, small businesses responded in 2008 by taking out fewer small business loans and relying more on credit cards, according to a report by the Small Business Association.

When Visa talks in the credit card industry, everyone listens. Such is the power of the world’s largest payment network. And Visa Inc., according to recent reports, said the industry is going through a major restructuring following Congress’ Credit Card A

Many people these days are hiding from their credit card companies and cringing waiting for increased fees, higher interest rates and penalties. But some Citibank card users are singing a different tune

American Airlines announced it has gone cashless onboad flights within the continental United States, on flights to Hawaii, Alaska and Canada. The new policy took effective on June 1.

With tougher credit standards, lending institutions are requiring significantly higher credit scores to obtain optimum products, according to a press release issued by Total Credit Care, a credit consulting firm in Washington.

While much has been made of Congress’ recent action to limit credit card fees, particular fallout is that credit for college students will likely be more difficult to obtain.

Applied Bank earned an A+ from TheStreet.com as one of the top 40 banks in America in terms of financial strength.

Public Savings Bank has released a new Visa secured credit card designed to assist customers in rebuilding their credit scores.

Tuffy Auto Service Centers has launched a new credit card to help people cover needed auto expenses during this tough economic climate.

A new fraudulent scam from fake lenders is taking advantage of struggling Americans, according to published reports.

A direct mail tracking service reports that U.S. households are receiving fewer offers for credit cards that had in the past.

A new effort to combat credit card fraud launched in the United Kingdom last week.

Discover Financial Services recently launched its newest financial tool, the Spend Analyzer.