Lender Fees Exposed

So remember the CARD Act that was supposed to help protect consumers from unscrupulous lenders and all their hidden credit card fees? It seems some lenders have already found new ways to whack us over the head with additional fees. Take a look at some of their new methods for collecting more than what you had bargained for…

Interest Rate Games

1. The CARD Act stipulates that fixed rate credit cards can't become variable cards as long as they are paid on time, but if you have a variable rate card you're in for a ride. In the past, variable rate cards were tied to the prime rate. Lenders are now adding a clause that they can use the highest prime rate in the past 90 days. That's an estimated $720M in new revenue for them, right out of consumer pockets.
   
2. A second new strategy targeting those with variable interest rate cards are the new "floor" interest rates. If your card has a "floor" rate of 6% and the prime dips below 4% for 4 months, you won't benefit from the 4% prime rate as your floor rate is 6%.

Fee Games

1. Lenders are now implementing a higher minimum finance charge. That means if you only incurred an interest charge of $4 in any given month, but their minimum finance charge is $20, then you'll have to fork over another $16.
2. You know how you used to get hit with a $25-$45 late fee when you paid late?  Those late fees are now increasing in size in proportion to your credit balance.
   
3. Think you'll avoid these charges by not using your card? Think again. Lenders are now implementing an inactivity charge. Fees vary by lender.
4. If you travel to foreign countries you are familiar with foreign transaction charges you would incur anytime you exchanged currencies. Now you may incur these charges even if no currency is exchanged provided a foreign bank is involved.
   
5. And lastly, they've removed the caps on balance transfer fees and increased the minimum charge. That means they can charge you for an entire year of interest upfront on that 0% balance transfer.

The lesson here is that lenders are rewarding those with good credit and payment history, but miss just one payment and you're in for a world of hurt. You'll be hit with a veritable tidal waive of fees that will make you wish you never applied for a credit card in the first place.

My advice? Keep just 1-2 cards with minimal balances and pay them in full each month with an automated payment plan.