Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
The government is now putting you in the driver’s seat where credit cards are concerned. A bill passed yesterday in the Senate (90-5) calls for sweeping new restrictions over credit card companies. Beginning February 2010, the new legislation, which affects 75 percent of U.S. household, will ban pay-by-phone charges, random rate increases, short-term teaser rates and cards aimed at kids under 21 without parental consent. Consumers will also know how long it will take to pay off the balance if you only pay the minimum. Legislation like this will force card companies to provide transparency and show the true cost of borrowing on credit.—TS