I think the American people have been getting a mixed message as they are encouraged to boost the economy through spending and then are stuck with the credit card bills. The SENSIBLE thing to do rather than cry about higher credit card rates is to live within your means!!! In other words sign a contract with your bank to pay off the credit card IN FULL from your checking account on the due date each month! The interest rate would then be 0% I do it every month and I only make $ 20000 a year