Economy News

• Return to seasonal trends hailed as sign of recovering economy
  Category: Economy News
  January 16, 2012
  In recent months, the amount Americans owe to lenders on their credit cards has increased while the number of late payments has also been on the rise, but experts say this trend is actually a positive for consumers and the economy. more


• November sees consumer credit spike appreciably
  Category: Economy News
  January 12, 2012
  The amount of money being borrowed by consumers across several different types of credit increased significantly in the month of November for a number of reasons. more


• Credit card spending strong again during holiday season
  Category: Economy News
  December 28, 2011
  Some consumers may have abandoned their previously frugal ways and spent more on their credit cards this holiday season.more


• Improving economy to stabilize mortgage, credit card delinquencies
  Category: Economy News
  December 10, 2011
  Delinquencies for mortgages and credit cards are projected to fall next year.more


• Bernanke reassures on economic recovery
  Category: Economy News
  June 8, 2011
  While there has been some fear that the economy's growth is beginning to slow down, the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board recently said he believes the "loss of momentum" will not last.more


• Credit card use continues to decline
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 30, 2010
  Even as holiday shoppers spent 13 percent more money than they did last year, consumers are still turning away from credit cards consistently these days.more


• November charge offs, delinquency drop for Bank of America
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 19, 2010
  Delinquency and default rates for Bank of America credit card accounts dropped again in November. more


• November brings less delinquency and default for Citi
  Category: Citibank Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 16, 2010
  Consumers with credit cards issued by Citibank seem to have had an easier time dealing with their finances in November, as the company reported declines in both delinquent and defaulted accounts.more


• Charge offs and delinquencies fell again in October
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 14, 2010
  In keeping with a recent trend of consumers increasing the rates at which they pay off their credit card debt, the nation's major lenders reported fewer charge offs and delinquencies in October.more


• Consumer credit continues to climb in October on nonrevolving loans
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 9, 2010
  Following a month of modest gains thanks to an increase in nonrevolving loans, October saw consumer credit jump more significantly, even as consumers continued to cut back on their credit card use.more


• American Express profits boom on fewer defaults, more borrowing
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 8, 2010
  While many credit card lenders have attributed their profits in recent months to fewer consumers defaulting on their balances, American Express was able to credit a steep increase to a jump in spending.more


• Consumers shunned credit cards on Black Friday
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 7, 2010
  Prior to the holiday season, a number of polls found that many consumers were planning to avoid their credit cards to make gift purchases. Statistics from Black Friday weekend show consumers backed up that promise.more


• Consumers cutting more debt than ever
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 4, 2010
  As consumers became more wary of their debt problems during the national recession, many made a concentrated effort to cut down their total balances, and most have succeeded.more


• Consumers spend more than $1 billion on Cyber Monday
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 2, 2010
  Cyber Monday, the online version of Black Friday, when internet retailers offer steep discounts on popular items, continues to be a big hit. This year, consumers around the world spent more than a billion dollars at American websites.more


• Monthly debt payments drop 2 percent over past 3 years
  Category: Economy News
  November 17, 2010
  A recent study found consumers nationwide spend less each month on reducing their debt than they did three years ago.more


• Consumers closed credit card accounts at slower rate in third quarter
  Category: Credit Card News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  November 10, 2010
  While consumers worked toward eliminating some of their credit card balances in the third quarter, the rate at which these accounts were closed slowed slightly from the previous period.more


• Consumer credit drops sharply in September
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  November 8, 2010
  The amount of credit card debt consumers carry dropped considerably between August and September.more


• Consumer spending now at pre-recession levels despite less credit card use
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  November 7, 2010
  American consumers are once again spending as much in cash and on their debit and credit cards as they did before the recent economic crisis took hold.more


• Fed says credit improved slightly
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  October 22, 2010
  The amount of credit banks lent to consumers and businesses saw some slight improvements in the new edition of the Federal Reserve Bank's Beige Book.more


• Consumer credit declines $3.3 billion in August
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  October 15, 2010
  Consumer credit declines $3.3 billion in Augustmore


• More elderly blame bankruptcy on credit card debt
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  October 14, 2010
  There are a greater number of senior citizens filing for bankruptcy than there were just a few years ago, and a new report says rising credit card debt is the reason.more


• Rate hike may have triggered defaults surge
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  October 6, 2010
  A large bank boosted interest rates for many of the accounts it controlled as the economy fell apart in 2008, and a new report says that was what triggered a surge in credit card defaults.more


• Rates expected to climb after new financial rules
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Credit Card News, Economy News
  September 24, 2010
  Many experts have predicted that rates for all types of loans, including credit cards, would quickly climb as a result of the financial reform bill and the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act.more


• AmEx Survey Shows Some Consumers Less Focused on Paying Down Credit Card Debt
  Category: Credit Card News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  September 23, 2010
  Many consumers have successfully reduced their total credit card debt in recent months and now may be focusing on other financial concerns.more


• National Poverty Rate Increased Sharply in 2009
  Category: Economy News
  September 16, 2010
  The U.S. Census Bureau reports a sharp rise in the poverty rate while health care coverage drops and median income remains level.more


• Charge offs expected to surge next year
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  September 13, 2010
  While the number of delinquent credit card accounts and other loans lenders have had to write off in recent months has steadily declined, it's unlikely they'll remain at depressed levels for too long.more


• Consumer credit falls could lead to more spending
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  September 13, 2010
  Consumers are spending less on their credit cards these days, but that doesn't mean this trend will continue for a long time.more


• Consumer spending per day drops in August
  Category: Credit Card News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  September 13, 2010
  Americans say they spent less per day in August than in July, a new poll has found.more


• Consumer credit declines in July
  Category: Credit Card News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  September 9, 2010
  The amount of credit consumers carry from one month to another dropped once again in July. more


• Denver has most debt in America
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  September 8, 2010
  Even as the average amount of consumer debt decreases across the country, many still owe lenders considerable amounts of money. Of all American cities, none has more debt per person than Denver, Colorado.more


• Credit card companies becoming more stable
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  September 8, 2010
  The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act forced many credit card issuers to change their lending policies, but now the industry seems to be stabilizing as they adapt to the new credit environment. more


• Midwesterners cautious with money, study finds
  Category: Economy News
  September 3, 2010
  Midwesterners are becoming more optimistic, but remain financially cautious about the future, a study issued by Citi and performed by Hart Research Associates found.more


• Average credit card balances hit eight-year low
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  August 25, 2010
  In its latest quarterly analysis of credit card trends, one major credit reporting agency found that the average borrower's credit card debt dropped to the lowest levels observed since 2002.more


• Continuing drops in delinquency bode well for economy
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  August 25, 2010
  Earlier this week it was reported that both delinquencies and charge offs decreased once again in the second quarter of this year.more


• Credit card spending drives Target sales
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  August 18, 2010
  Consumers may have spent less over the last quarter, but one major retailer said that revenues from its credit card unit helped to drive profits up significantly.more


• Consumers were less delinquent with their credit card payments in July
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  August 16, 2010
  Over the past several months, many of the nation's major credit card issuers have reported more on-time payments, and the latest figures show that July was no different.more


• More consumers choose to relieve credit card debt with bankruptcy
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  August 7, 2010
  The number of Americans that opted to file for bankruptcy to fix their credit card problems increased last month.more


• Consumers saved more in June
  Category: Economy News
  August 5, 2010
  Despite small gains in their average disposable income, Americans saved more money in June than they did in the previous month.more


• More credit card debt was paid off in June
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  July 19, 2010
  As far as most of the major handlers of credit card debt in the country are concerned, more Americans were able to pay off some of their credit card debt in June.more


• Financial overhaul could cost Bank of America billions
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  July 17, 2010
  One of the biggest debit and credit card lenders in the country has announced just how much it expects the new financial overhaul bill could cut into its profits.more


• 'Significant' relationship between small business hiring and credit card debt
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  July 16, 2010
  When small businesses have the ability to secure credit cards, their power to hire new employees and generate revenue increases, according to a new study.more


• Decline in consumer spending leads to lowered growth forecasts
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  July 15, 2010
  A number of figures that have recently come to light had economists worried about the growth of the economy, and the latest consumer spending numbers caused them to lower forecasts for second-quarter growth.more


• Consumer spending cuts into savings goals
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  July 14, 2010
  The average consumer entered the year hoping to save more money, but thanks to expenses both unforeseen and irresponsible, it appears they won't meet that goal.more


• Credit card rates remain level this week
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  July 9, 2010
  Despite drops in most other national interest figures, those for both fixed-rate and variable-rate credit cards held flat this week.more


• Despite numbers, credit card debt hasn't improved
  Category: Credit Card News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  July 9, 2010
  Many consumers may have been encouraged by the latest figures released by the Federal Reserve Board and American Bankers Association regarding credit card debt. The Fed said the total debt Americans owe has declined in 18 of the last 20 months, and the ABA said credit card delinquencies are dropping as well.more


• Fitch: Card laws to cut earnings 10 percent
  Category: Credit Card News, Economy News
  July 3, 2010
  The new rules for credit card issuers laid out earlier this year will likely cause their profits to fall about 10 percent in 2010, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings.more


• Credit card changes that will affect consumers' everyday lives
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  June 30, 2010
  Many consumers may be wondering just how the recent changes in the financial overhaul bill will affect them. While many of the alterations it enacts won't make the average American's life any different, there are a few notable exceptions.more


• Credit card spending skyrockets as a result of the World Cup
  Category: Visa Credit Card News, Economy News
  June 30, 2010
  The World Cup has done more than draw the eyes and minds of the entire world to South Africa as the world's greatest soccer teams compete for global glory.more


• FTC: Scammers stole millions with credit card system loopholes
  Category: Identity Theft News, Economy News
  June 28, 2010
  The Federal Trade Commission has badly damaged an online scam ring that stole millions from American consumers. Those that perpetrated the thefts are still currently at large.more


• Survey Finds Financial Concerns are Highest Among African-Americans
  Category: Economy News
  June 25, 2010
  Financial concerns are high among African-Americans in Cincinnati, a survey commissioned by The Smiley Group and Nationwide Insurance found.more


• Financial institutions seek to profit from checking accounts
  Category: Economy News
  June 22, 2010
  Free checking may become a thing of the past as banks become creative in finding ways to bring in profits after reform.more


• New social media threat could lead to identity theft
  Category: Identity Theft News, Economy News
  June 21, 2010
  When a friend posts a funny picture or website on their Facebook or Twitter account, it's important to know just where clicking that link could lead.more


• Recovery will remain steady, economists say
  Category: Economy News
  June 18, 2010
  A "double-dip" recession is highly unlikely as the economy continues to grow, says a leading council of economic advisors. more


• Stay-at-home parents should keep track of their finances
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  June 17, 2010
  When a couple decides that one parent should stay home with their kids, it's natural, but misguided, to focus on merging their finances.more


• Americans feeling down on their finances
  Category: Economy News
  June 16, 2010
  Americans remain pessimistic about their financial well-being, a new Gallup poll finds.more


• Affluent Americans grow pessimistic about economy
  Category: Economy News
  June 15, 2010
  Affluent consumer confidence falls along with the stock market, a TNS Investor Confidence Index reveals.more


• Consumer spending down in May, Discover finds
  Category: Economy News
  June 12, 2010
  Consumer spending and confidence fell in May, according to the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor.more


• Economic stress declines with job growth
  Category: Economy News
  June 11, 2010
  As factory jobs became more plentiful, economic stress declined, according to the Associated Press' monthly analysis of conditions.more


• Study: One third of low-income families live paycheck to paycheck
  Category: Economy News
  June 10, 2010
  Low-income families' money struggles are exacerbated by not having a financial safety net in place.more


• Unemployment rate drops in May
  Category: Economy News
  June 8, 2010
  The American economy is slowly moving forward on its path to recovery with 431,000 new jobs created in May. more


• Sales remain flat for retailers
  Category: Economy News
  June 7, 2010
  Poor economic times seem to still be weighing in on the minds of consumers as retailers report that sales in May weren't much higher than in April.more


• Bankruptcy filings dip in May
  Category: Economy News
  June 7, 2010
  Bankruptcy filings have fallen, according to the National Bankruptcy Research Center.more


• Highest jobless rates found in California
  Category: Economy News
  June 2, 2010
  The U.S. unemployment rate reached 9.5 percent in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Certain areas of the country experienced higher jobless rates than others.more


• Positive economic attitudes rise
  Category: Economy News
  June 2, 2010
  The Dow Jones Economic Sentiment Indicator increased by more than a point last month.more


• Small businesses show economic confidence
  Category: Economy News
  June 2, 2010
  Small business owners' levels of optimism reached their highest level in seven months, according to Discover Small Business Watch SM.more


• New Rules Help Protect Consumers from Deceptive Advertising
  Category: Economy News
  June 1, 2010
  The Association of Settlement Companies has developed a new set of regulations in an effort to help consumers avoid falling victim to misleading debt settlement advertisements.more


• Many say they spent too much on wedding
  Category: Economy News
  June 1, 2010
  Looking back on their special day, couples believe they overspent on their wedding and honeymoon.more


• Students use credit cards to fill financial gap
  Category: Economy News
  May 31, 2010
  More students are turning to credit cards to help pay for their college expenses a study finds.more


• Many unsuccessful opening online bank accounts, report finds
  Category: Economy News
  May 30, 2010
  Online banking may offer several perks, but many consumers experience difficulty opening accounts.more


• Less government involvement with financial services wanted, survey finds
  Category: Economy News
  May 29, 2010
  Americans report that they would like to see less goverment interference in the financial services sector.more


• Consumers optimistic, data finds
  Category: Economy News
  May 27, 2010
  A growing number of people are feeling confident about the job market, data shows. more


• Financial stress hangs over many
  Category: Economy News
  May 26, 2010
  Financial stress continues to bother many Americans, according to a consumer index.more


• More consumers favor renting, survey finds
  Category: Economy News
  May 25, 2010
  A study finds that more people favor renting over home ownership.more


• Many Americans underinsure their largest asset, survey finds
  Category: Economy News
  May 24, 2010
  A survey reveals that most Americans don't have enough insurance for their home, even though they consider it their most valuable asset.more


• Bankruptcy Filings Surge
  Category: Economy News
  May 21, 2010
  Bankruptcy filings have surged to their highest levels in four years. A combination of debt and unemployment are just a couple of factors contributing to the increase.more


• Summer offers same number of job opportunities
  Category: Economy News
  May 20, 2010
  A survey shows about an equal number of employers plan on hiring this summer as last.more


• Residents of Seattle metro area post highest average debt amount
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  May 19, 2010
  On average, consumers in Seattle owed more than $26,000 in March, Experian reported recently.more


• Number of properties in foreclosure process drops in April
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  May 18, 2010
  RealtyTrac reported that April saw foreclosure filings fall 9 percent from levels seen in March, although bank repossessions increased.more


• Square card readers now available
  Category: Online Banking News, Economy News
  May 17, 2010
  A credit card swipe device that can attach to certain mobile devices is now being offered by Square.more


• Despite decline, bankruptcy filings up year-to-year
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  May 15, 2010
  Bankruptcies are up 17 percent over 2009, the NBRC reports.more


• Although confidence improves, most consumers still feeling negative
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  May 12, 2010
  Consumer Reports noted that its Sentiment Index increased to 44.6 in May.more


• Debt on credit cards maintains decline in March, Fed says
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  May 11, 2010
  The Federal Reserve System recently reported that the amount of credit card debt fell at an annual rate of 4.5 percent in March.more


• LA unveils meters that take credit cards
  Category: Economy News
  May 10, 2010
  New parking meters in Los Angeles that take credit cards should improve service and revenues.more


• Consumer credit risk falls, TransUnion says
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  May 7, 2010
  TransUnion reported that consumer credit risk declined in the first quarter.more


• Being without debt tied to notions of financial success
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  May 4, 2010
  A survey from TD Ameritrade showed that 39 percent of respondents tied debt to financial well-being.more


• March posts gain in consumer spending, BEA reports
  Category: Economy News
  May 4, 2010
  Consumers may be feeling more confident in the economy, as consumer spending increased in March.more


• Laid-off workers finding new employment
  Category: Economy News
  April 30, 2010
  A recent CareerBuilder.com survey showed that about half of workers who lost their jobs in the last three months found new work.more


• Despite mortgage difficulties, consumers don't increase time researching mortgages
  Category: Economy News
  April 30, 2010
  A recent survey showed that people spent an average of five hours researching their home loan.more


• Website, campaign from FTC aim at educating youth about advertisements
  Category: Economy News
  April 30, 2010
  The Federal Trade Commission has set up a website to teach children how to think critically about advertisements.more


• Fitch: Card defaults, delinquencies drop
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 30, 2010
  Charge offs and accounts late on payment saw recent declines.more


• Consumers show more confidence in April
  Category: Economy News
  April 29, 2010
  The Conference Board reports that consumer confidence increase from March to April.more


• Federal efforts shows improvement needed in financial education
  Category: Economy News
  April 29, 2010
  The National Financial Capability Challenge showed that students scored an average of 70 percent on an economic literacy exam.more


• Card charge offs increase to new high, Moody's reports
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 28, 2010
  Moody's Investors Services said that credit card charge offs during the first quarter increased to 11.12 percent.more


• FLEC website offers consumers advice
  Category: Economy News
  April 28, 2010
  The Financial Literacy and Education Commission redesigned a website that provides consumers with advice.more


• First quarter sees Bank of America extend $150 billion in credit
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 28, 2010
  Through mortgages and other loans, Bank of America made almost $150 billion of credit available in the first quarter.more


• Interest rate reduction promises could be scam
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 27, 2010
  The Federal Trade Commission is telling consumers to be skeptical of any promises made to lower credit card interest rates.more


• AmEx posts growth while unemployment, regulations slow improvement
  Category: American Express Credit Card News, Economy News
  April 27, 2010
  Net income for American Express Corporation was up 103 percent during the first quarter of 2010.more


• Cap One: Income improves, card delinquencies fall
  Category: Capital One Credit Card News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 26, 2010
  The first quarter of 2010 was more kind to Capital One Financial Corp., which reported net income of $636.3 million.more


• Udall proposes free credit scores
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  April 26, 2010
  A proposal on Capitol Hill will allow free access to credit scores.more


• Unemployment, credit card debt making saving difficult for some
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 23, 2010
  A poll taken by Harris Interactive for an accounting institute showed that more than half of Americans can't save money.more


• Reserve survey will examine household finances
  Category: Economy News
  April 22, 2010
  A survey commissioned every three years by the Federal Reserve Board is set to be administered for 2010.more


• Dodd calls for financial reform after SEC charges
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 21, 2010
  The Securities and Exchange Commission recently brought charges against Goldman Sachs, leading Chris Dodd to call for further financial reforms.more


• Toey sentenced in connection to Gonzalez case
  Category: Identity Theft News, Economy News
  April 20, 2010
  Damon Patrick Toey was sentenced to five years in prison in connection to a scheme in which millions of credit and debit card numbers were stolen.more


• Trucks increasing card-based fuel purchases
  Category: Economy News
  April 20, 2010
  A rise in diesel fuel purchases by trucking companies indicates the economy may be on the mend.more


• Committee says too soon to say recession over
  Category: Economy News
  April 14, 2010
  The Business Cycle Dating Committee said it isn't ready to declare the end of the recession.more


• Debt payment one focus of tax returns
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 13, 2010
  More than 50 percent of respondents to a survey said they would use their tax refund to pay off bills.more


• Idaho store owners petition against fees
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  April 13, 2010
  Store owners in Idaho collected signatures from customers protesting interchange fees, which are charged to merchants for accepting card transactions.more


• Number of delinquent bank cards drops
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 9, 2010
  The American Bankers Association reported that delinquencies on bank cards were down 0.38 percentage points in the fourth quarter.more


• Debts on credit cards fall in February
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 8, 2010
  Revolving consumer credit declined at an annual rate of 13.1 percent during the second month of the year.more


• Square makes credit card reader available for iPad
  Category: Online Banking News, Economy News
  April 7, 2010
  New technology is allowing even smaller business operations the ability to accept credit card payments.more


• March bankruptcy filings up 35 percent
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 6, 2010
  The number of bankruptcy filings made in March represented a 35 percent increase over February.more


• Fewer Americans planning on using tax returns on debts
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 2, 2010
  Although many consumers may still consider using their return to lower debt, more people may use it for a major purchase.more


• FTC credit report rule takes effect
  Category: Credit Report News, Economy News
  April 2, 2010
  Companies that advertise "free" credit reports must add a disclaimer about a government website.more


• Tompor: Debt settlement comes with risks
  Category: Credit Repair News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 2, 2010
  Debt settlement may end up leaving consumers with a lower credit score.more


• Financial Literacy Month website offers tips for debt payment
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  April 1, 2010
  Money Management International has suggested two approaches for dealing with credit card debt.more


• FTC suit leads to man banned from telemarketing
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  March 31, 2010
  James Nicholson allegedly offered consumers a credit card product that only worked on purchases from particular sites.more


• Consumer court action against debt collectors, other companies increases
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  March 30, 2010
  People are starting to battle back against debt collectors by filing civil suits, a practice that increased in 2009.more


• Banks reducing branded credit cards
  Category: General Rewards Credit Card News, Economy News
  March 29, 2010
  In order to cut back on expenses, some card issuers are reducing the number of branded products they offer.more


• Nevada cab authority delays credit card decision
  Category: Economy News
  March 29, 2010
  A group representing cab companies in Nevada is trying to get permission to accept credit and debit cards for rides.more


• Credit score of 720 or higher for best mortgage rates
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  March 26, 2010
  Mortgage lenders may require that consumers have different sources of credit and a credit score of at least 720 before granting a home loan.more


• FTC director testifies before House subcommittee on credit reports
  Category: Credit Report News, Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  March 26, 2010
  New rules from the Federal Trade Commission make it more clear that consumers don't have to pay to get a copy of their credit report.more


• Fed gift card rules introduced
  Category: Prepaid/Debit Card News, Economy News
  March 25, 2010
  The Credit CARD Act calls for new rules for gift cards, and the Fed complied recently with regulations set to take effect in August.more


• Cornell professor: Dodd's bill helps provide protections
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  March 24, 2010
  Robert Hockett said the legislation would help add further regulation to the financial sector.more


• Amount tied to auto delinquencies declines in 4Q
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  March 22, 2010
  Experian Automotive said that delinquencies on vehicle loans posted slight increases when compared to 2008.more


• Credit Risk Index increases slightly in fourth quarter
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  March 19, 2010
  Lenders may be more willing to grant credit if conditions continue to improve.more


• Dodd unveils new consumer protection bill
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  March 18, 2010
  President Barack Obama said he would oppose attempts to undermine the authority of a federal consumer protection agency.more


• Fed aims to keep interest rates at current target level
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  March 18, 2010
  The Federal Open Market Committee will keep the federal funds target rate at between zero and 0.25 percent.more


• Website for Consumer Protection Week highlights Credit CARD Act
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  March 10, 2010
  Consumers are being encouraged to educate themselves about their finances, including their credit card accounts.more


• Fitch: Charge offs increase, delinquencies decline
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  March 4, 2010
  Unemployment tied to recent numbers.more


• BoA to merge card services, deposit business
  Category: Economy News
  March 3, 2010
  Faulkner will head new organization.more


• Delinquencies on auto loans remain even in 4Q
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  March 2, 2010
  Should fall by middle of 2010.more


• Past years have shown tightened standards for mortgages, credit card offers
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  March 1, 2010
  Number of accounts granted to people with credit score below 700 dropped.more


• Average amount of credit card debt goes down in fourth quarter
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  February 28, 2010
  TransUnion report shows that delinquencies did go up.more


• Identity theft still top complaint to FTC
  Category: Identity Theft News, Economy News
  February 28, 2010
  Credit cards also make an appearance on the 2009 list.more


• Frank: No regulation of interchange fees this year
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  February 27, 2010
  Fees charge retailers for credit card transactions.more


• Firm says new credit card laws will hurt housing market
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  February 26, 2010
  Increasing rates will make it hard for people to get mortgages.more


• Credit report rule from FTC required by Credit CARD Act
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  February 25, 2010
  First set of new rules from commission take effect April 1.more


• Moody's: Charge offs increased in January
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  February 24, 2010
  Early-stage delinquencies decline.more


• Site from the Fed provides information on rules for accounts, credit card offers
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  February 22, 2010
  Credit CARD Act brings with it further regulations.more


• Credit cards still the top option consumers chose for online transactions
  Category: Prepaid/Debit Card News, Economy News
  February 18, 2010
  Alternatives, like prepaid credit cards, will grow in coming years.more


• Cedar Rapids considers installing parking meters that take credit cards
  Category: Economy News
  February 13, 2010
  Option gives drivers a convenient alternative.more


• Credit card offers up at the end of last year
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  February 10, 2010
  Fourth quarter sees credit card offers increase.more


• With rule changes coming, consumers continue to pay off credit card debt
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  February 8, 2010
  Revolving consumer credit dropped 9.5 percent in 2009.more


• Dow Jones: AmEx VC says company may see drop in credit card defaults
  Category: American Express Credit Card News, Economy News
  February 8, 2010
  Stable economy could lead to decline in charge offs.more


• WSJ: Visa, MasterCard expected to post increased earnings in 4Q 2009
  Category: Visa Credit Card News, MasterCard Credit Card News, Economy News
  February 4, 2010
  Cost-cutting measures and increased debit card use lead to higher revenues.more


• Fed: Standards for credit card offers increasing
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  February 3, 2010
  Lenders reduce amount of available credit.more


• Olive: Iowans shouldn't have to pay more for insurance when disaster strikes
  Category: Credit Score News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  February 2, 2010
  Law would limit the connection between a credit score and insurance.more


• Credit card offers through mail increase in 4Q
  Category: Credit Monitoring News, Economy News
  February 1, 2010
  Shows lenders feeling confident in economy.more


• Personal income increases in December
  Category: Economy News
  February 1, 2010
  People saving more money.more


• Modification program gets revamped guidelines
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  January 31, 2010
  HAMP intended to help avoid foreclosures, which can drop a credit score.more


• Merchants can do things to try and reduce interchange fees on credit cards
  Category: Economy News
  January 31, 2010
  Some may try to negotiate with Visa, MasterCard.more


• Almost half of holiday shoppers used a credit card for gifts
  Category: Economy News
  January 29, 2010
  Card users also tended to spend more than the average.more


• People who use credit cards may be inclined to spend more
  Category: Economy News
  January 28, 2010
  Using a card may detach people from the amount they spend.more


• Major bank puts its mark on agreeing to another portion of HAMP
  Category: Economy News
  January 28, 2010
  The effect of the program on a credit score is still up in the air.more


• Banks need to work to reach out to unbanked, underbanked consumers
  Category: Secured Credit Card News, Economy News
  January 27, 2010
  Many Americans may not have the proper financial education.more


• Fitch Ratings reports delinquencies, defaults increase in November
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  January 26, 2010
  Unemployment tied to credit difficulties.more


• Index shows some consumers experienced rise in credit card interest rates
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  January 26, 2010
  Frugality becomes more of a priority for some people.more


• Syracuse parking meters will accept credit cards
  Category: Visa Credit Card News, MasterCard Credit Card News, Economy News
  January 26, 2010
  Machines being retrofitted in the city.more


• FHA raises credit score requirements
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  January 25, 2010
  Effort is an attempt to reduce lending risks.more


• Fed to conduct study of noncash payments in the country
  Category: Economy News
  January 22, 2010
  Results should be released by the end of this year.more


• New microblog allows people to share purchases on credit cards
  Category: Credit Monitoring News, Economy News
  January 20, 2010
  Could allow for price comparisons among consumers.more


• Massachusetts secretary of state sends letter to companies that make credit card offers
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  January 19, 2010
  Questions practices prior to Credit CARD Act.more


• Store-branded credit cards take a hit in latest Fitch Report
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  January 19, 2010
  Charge offs increase to 12.56 percent.more


• Some companies that make credit card offers report drop in delinquency rates
  Category: Discover Credit Card News, Capital One Credit Card News, Economy News
  January 18, 2010
  Chargeoffs still at elevated levels.more


• Proposed legislation to limit interest rates on credit cards to be presented before committee
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  January 13, 2010
  Would cap rates at 16 percent.more


• Amount of credit card debt drops again, Fed reports
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  January 12, 2010
  Total on credit cards at $874 billion in November.more


• Fees for debit raise concerns for retailers
  Category: Visa Credit Card News, Economy News
  January 12, 2010
  Costs passed on to consumers.more


• Number of bankruptcies highest since 2005
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  January 11, 2010
  Consumers risking drop in credit score.more


• Fitch: charge offs, late payments rise
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  January 7, 2010
  Unemployment cited as cause.more


• Cabbies at New Orleans airport must have credit card readers
  Category: Airline Rewards Credit Card News, Economy News
  January 5, 2010
  About 300 drivers have complied with new regulation.more


• NFCC survey shows some have difficulty paying off credit card debt
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  January 5, 2010
  While some were late with payments, others missed them altogether.more


• Recession leads to concerns about identity theft
  Category: Identity Theft News, Economy News
  January 4, 2010
  Consumers may be worried banks aren't paying attention to security.more


• Companies unveil cell phone credit card readers
  Category: Online Banking News, Economy News
  January 2, 2010
  Devices allow users to swipe cards on their iPhones.more


• Equifax: Lenders reduce credit card accounts
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  January 1, 2010
  Lines of credit have declined by more than $800 billion since July 2008.more


• BofA to change credit card offers
  Category: Economy News
  January 1, 2010
  Works to fix its card business.more


• Moody's: Credit card defaults increase in November
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 31, 2009
  Delinquencies also rise.more


• Consumers should pay attention to credit card offers made by retailers
  Category: General Rewards Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 29, 2009
  Accounts may come with high interest rates.more


• Home modification plans could lower credit score
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  December 29, 2009
  Program designed to help may hurt some consumers.more


• Companies take notice as some consumers turn to prepaid credit cards
  Category: Prepaid/Debit Card News, Economy News
  December 28, 2009
  Accounts offer parents an option for their children.more


• Consumers may be informed by lenders when credit report leads to less-favorable terms
  Category: Credit Report News, Economy News
  December 24, 2009
  People would get chance to check accuracies of report.more


• Card companies trying different methods for making money
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 11, 2009
  Changes to credit accounts tied to impending federal rules.more


• Credit card offers could be affected by bill passed by the House
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  December 11, 2009
  New law would create consumer protection agency.more


• Facing medical expenses, some seniors turn to credit cards to pay bills
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 10, 2009
  Unexpected medical expenses are tackled by some through using plastic.more


• Average credit score for car loans increases
  Category: Credit Score News, Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 10, 2009
  Lenders raising requirements.more


• Some credit card offers may spur purchases
  Category: General Rewards Credit Card News, Discover Credit Card News, Economy News
  December 9, 2009
  Almost 20 percent of those surveyed might be motivated by additional rewards.more


• TransUnion forecasts drop in credit card delinquencies
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 8, 2009
  Rate should fall for third straight year in 2010.more


• Credit card debt falls during third quarter and October
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 7, 2009
  Consumers continue to concentrate on trying to pay off debts in what has been a tight lending market.more


• Unbanked households may turn to prepaid credit cards
  Category: Prepaid/Debit Card News, Economy News
  December 4, 2009
  A number of people have turned away from using traditional bank accounts.more


• Companies target affluent for credit card offers
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 4, 2009
  Lenders attempting to limit their risks.more


• Mintel reports credit card offers on the rise
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  December 2, 2009
  Mailings show 'significant' increase for first time this year.more


• Valet parking service launches payments by credit card
  Category: Economy News
  December 1, 2009
  Service aims at providing greater convenience for customers.more


• Consumer confidence posts slight gain in November
  Category: Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Survey respondents remain pessimistic about incomes.more


• Cash can come with its own dangers
  Category: Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Credit cards offer additional protections.more


• Some may turn to thrift stores during holidays
  Category: Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Shoppers seeking savings in variety of ways.more


• Consumers need to be aware of retailer tactics
  Category: Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Doing so can help avoid spending more.more


• Banks seek revenue in debit reward programs
  Category: General Rewards Credit Card News, Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Credit CARD Act causing concern about incomes for credit card companies.more


• Federal filings for bankruptcy increase
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Both business and personal filings up in fiscal year 2009.more


• Survey indicates credit card use may be down
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Reuters poll shows 26 percent of holiday shoppers used credit.more


• Credit card defaults fall in October
  Category: Credit Crunch News, Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Accounts that are late on payment see an increase.more


• Continental to switch to cashless system
  Category: Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Payments on planes will only be accepted via credit or debit cards.more


• BoA offers clarity statement for credit cards
  Category: Credit Monitoring News, Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Interest rates, fees to be included in mailings.more


• Shopping online? Stick to credit
  Category: Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Using a debit card could lead to financial difficulties.more


• Credit card offers paper trail for returns
  Category: Economy News
  November 30, 2009
  Also gives consumers greater power in disputes on purchases.more


• Fed sponsors ads to inform people about credit cards
  Category: Credit Score News, Economy News
  November 27, 2009
  Effort includes website offering advice on improving a credit score.more


• Representative from Bay State to present legislation on credit cards
  Category: Credit Card Legislation News, Economy News
  November 27, 2009
  Would limit interest rates to 16 percent.more


• Arbitration clauses dropped from Chase card agreements
  Category: Economy News
  November 24, 2009
  Decision comes after company settled lawsuit.more


• Salvation Army turns to credit cards for donations
  Category: Economy News
  November 23, 2009
  Machines in Virginia and North Carolina give people other donation options.more


• Government program tries to avert foreclosures
  Category: Economy News
  November 16, 2009
  MHA program continues to grow.more


• More consumers will have bankruptcy on their credit report
  Category: Economy News
  November 13, 2009
  Filings increase by 8.9 percent from September to October.more


• Consumer confidence down
  Category: Economy News
  October 30, 2009
  Unemployment is one of the primary reasons why consumers aren't feeling positive.more