Due to losses in banking activities across the board, and in credit cards specifically, banks have been tightening lending standards, lowering credit limits, and raising fees wherever they can. Other factors for credit card issuers are the enactment of The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act (aka the Credit CARD Act) and the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency which is mandated to oversee the CARD Act. The Credit Card Act, which starts phasing in provisions in August, was pushed through Congress by the Obama Administration and signed into law in May. The law’s goal is to reign in fee and interest rate increases by credit card issuers but is full of loopholes and has given the issuers enough advance notice to allow them to raise rates, convert fixed accounts to variables, and hike fees ahead of any limitations which would curb the activities.

In reaction to the bill, issuers have promised to tighten lending standards and make it tougher in general for their cardholders. O

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