The Credit CARD Act:
Rewarding good behavior:
We all know that over-spending on your credit card is a dangerous behavior. But did you know that in the past, credit card companies would charge fees for not using your card enough? Sheesh, now that’s sketchy behavior! As of August 22, credit card companies can no longer charge you for not using your card. However, if your card has not been used for a long time, the credit card company can choose to close your account (at no extra charge to you), which can negatively affect your credit score. Want to learn more about credit cards and your credit score? Check out financialfootprint’
Oops! Going over your Credit Limit:
In the past, when you accidentally spent over your credit limit, credit card companies would tack on outrageous fees. The new rule says that credit card companies can only charge a fee equivalent to the amount that you went over and cannot exceed 25% of your credit limit. So, if you went over your credit limit spending $3.95 on iTunes, your credit card company could only charge you $3.95 in fees for your misdeed. Even better, The Credit CARD Act requires credit card companies to give you a choice about spending limits:
Option A—you can choose to have your transactions declined if you accidentally try to over-spend.
Option B—you can choose to be permitted to over-spend, knowing that you will have to pay a fee whenever you do.
What’s the best financial solution? Choose Option A. While it’s embarrassing to have your credit card declined at the cash register, a moment of embarrassment is worth saving your hard-earned money and your credit score. Either way, the best practice is to know your credit card spending limit, and to stay well within that limit each month. At financialfootprint, you can connect and meet with your own Personal Finance Guide who will help you decipher your credit card bills, understand your credit limits, and manage your student finances.
Don’t be tardy! Late bill payments:
In the past, credit card companies would tack on humongous late fees if you were late paying your bill. Now, if you are occasionally forgetful, your late fee will be capped at $25. However, late fees can go higher if cardholders are late more than once in a six-month period. This is good news, but I can think of a lot of things I’d rather do with 25 bucks. Moral of the story? Pay your bills on time, and don’t be tardy!
Eating their Young:
In the past, credit card companies made loads of money by giving pre-approved credit cards to teenagers and college students who didn’t know how to manage their student finances. Young people racked up debt, saddling themselves with poor credit scores that followed them into adulthood. In February 2010, the Credit CARD Act banned credit card companies from issuing cards to people younger than age 21, unless they have adult co-signers or proof that they can repay their debts. Companies are also forbidden from mailing prescreened credit cards to people younger than age 21.
Debt: The Freshman $15,000
Congress found out that many colleges had lucrative deals with credit card companies, allowing exploitation of their own students. So one of the new credit card laws restricts the “recruitment”
All about Gift Cards:
Gift cards to our favorite stores and websites are popular birthday and holiday presents. But in the past, consumers were often cheated by early expiration dates and other hidden fees and “surprises.”
Older Changes:
Phase I of the Credit CARD Act began in August 2009 and included some other big changes, like giving consumers at least 45 days advance warning of significant changes to their accounts (such as raising your interest rates!). It also required banks and credit unions to give you at least 21 days to pay your monthly credit card bills.
The Credit CARD Act contains the toughest credit card regulations in the history of the industry, and these changes should pay off big for young adults and college students. For more information on credit cards, student loans, budgeting, college financial planning, managing debt, student finances, and other financial solutions, check out our website at financialfootprint.com.
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