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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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