USA Today says try CUs to obtain credit cards

MADISON, Wis. (10/21/09)--Consumers should consider credit unions when they are looking to apply for credit cards, a columnist for USA Today wrote Tuesday.

"If you don't care about rewards and just want a credit card that doesn't charge an annual fee, consider applying for a card through a credit union," wrote personal finance columnist Sandra Block. "Many credit unions charge no annual fee and offer below-average interest rates."

Due to credit card legislation that will--among several mandates--restrict credit card issuers ability to raise interest rates on existing balances, the credit card industry--in response--is implementing other fees, Block wrote.

For instance, starting in 2010, Bank of America will charge some customers an annual fee ranging from $29 to $99, Block explained.

Also, Citigroup Inc. is beginning to charge annual fees to cardholders who don't charge more than a specific amount on their cards--usually $2,400 per year, she added.

Other banks are charging inactivity fees for customers who don't use their credit cards during a specific period of time, Block wrote.

"You heard that right: You could be spanked for staying out of debt," she added.

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