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  Are you a Jeremiah or a Cassandra on subprime credit cards?

  New data provide yet more confirmation of credit card debt increasingly being racked up by people with troubled finances. So why isn't the industry worried?

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  Citi's smart card: pointless gimmick or clever innovation?

  With their flashing lights and smart buttons, Citi's new G2 credit cards could earn you kudos at the cash register and among your friends. But what else does all this onboard electronic wizardry bring you?

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  Are credit cards a failed experiment?

  Did you know I once slept with Princess Margaret? And what does this have to do with credit cards and failed experiments? Plenty, as it turns out.

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  Age, sex, race, education and credit cards

  Do you pay with cash, checks, debit cards, prepaid cards or credit cards? Chances are, your choice is related to your demographics.

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  12 ways to keep your credit card hassle-free

  In case you missed it, National Consumer Protection Week just ended. But protecting yourself from credit card problems is a year-round job.

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Credit Card Industry Statistics

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  Consumer rewards credit card rates inch upward

  Most credit card rates held steady, but deteriorating economic news may start to have an impact on the rate market.

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  Average credit card debt: It's bigger than you think

  We update and refine our analysis of U.S. credit card debt and uncover new trends, some of which are encouraging and others, not so much.

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  2011 Survey: Wide variance in Foreign Transaction Fees (International Transaction Fees)

  What's an FTF? It's lurking in the fine print, even among the best credit cards available. Most major credit cards charge it (except Capital One). And when you use your credit cards outside the United States, it can add significantly to your travel costs if you're not careful.

  It's the foreign transaction fee, sometimes called an international transaction fee. For 2011, IndexCreditCards.com researched the major U.S. credit card issuers to discover the extra fees cardholders can expect when using their cards overseas.

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  2011 Credit Card Facts & Statistics - Free Infographic Report

  People still generally don't leave home without it, but in the wake of the recession of 2008-2010, the credit card today isn't quite as popular as it once was. Still, it remains a major force in the U.S. economy.  Here are some facts and figures that paint a picture of credit cards in America--in terms of both the credit industry itself, and the impact of credit cards on consumers.

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  Credit Card Late Fees Average $34.09, Over-the-Limit Fees Average $36.53

  Our latest survey of credit card fees finds the average credit card late fee at $34.35, while the average over-the-limit fee is $36.74. Using data from a cross-section of major and minor card issuers, IndexCreditCards.com found that late and over-the-limit fees ranged from $0 to $39. However, most nationwide issuers charged between $29 and $39 in both categories, with certain smaller issuers a bit more lenient.

  As a frame of reference, a $34.35 average late fee is roughly equivalent to the monthly finance charge you'd pay if you carried a $2,900 balance at 14% interest.

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  No credit? Secure some yourself

  There are certain Catch-22 situations in life:

     - It takes money to make money

     - You can't get a job to gain experience unless you already have experience

     - You can't get a credit card unless you've already established good credit

  Secured credit cards can help you with the last situation. If you're a young person trying to establish a credit history, or if you've had some financial misfortune and need to repair that history, a secured credit card could be just the ticket.

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  Anatomy of a Credit Card Application

  Credit card applications look straightforward - you just fill out the form and they send you a card, right? Yes, except sometimes you fill out that form and they turn you down --- or give you the card on terms you're not thrilled with.

  Why? Well, just like a resumé shows employers your work history, a credit card application asks for your financial resumé. Your past experiences count for a lot. Let's look at a typical credit card application line-by-line to see what credit card issuers look for when approving or rejecting an application, as well as how your answers may affect your interest rate, credit limit, and more...

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  Read the Fine Print When Choosing a Rewards Credit Card

  Like getting cash back, frequent flyer miles, or other rewards when you use your credit card? If so, check the fine print on card offers to make sure that what you think you're getting is what you actually get. Here are seven tips to keep in mind when searching for a credit card that pays you back:

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  Transfer Balance, Then Put That Card Down!

  Balance transfer offers are attractive and can be a very good deal, especially if no balance transfer fees are attached. BUT, they're only a good deal if you transfer your balance and then put the new card away

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  When Are Charge Cards Better Than Credit Cards?

  A credit card allows you to make purchases on credit, and allows you to revolve your credit balance, while a charge card requires you to pay off the full balance every month. Credit cards offer greater flexibility, so why do some people choose charge cards such as traditional American Express cards?

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  Using Virtual Credit Cards in the Fight Against Identity Theft

  If you worry about identity theft, virtual credit cards may give you peace of mind. More>>