15 must-know tips for protecting your identity -- Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Don't let it happen to you.

Really lousy credit card offers -- Want to pay $360 for a $19 credit limit? Have we got a deal for you!

Credit card crooks go high tech -- Using new equipment and new methods, the scammers manage to stay a step ahead.

Use the beeping card -- To entice you, card issuers are trying noises, flashing lights, funky shapes and transponders built into watches.

Prepaid gift cards: It's the fees that count -- They carry the MasterCard or Visa logo so they're accepted everywhere, but with the stiff fees, you may be better off sending a check.

Checking out zero-percent credit card offers -- Are they as good as they seem? And how do you get one?

How to be an assertive consumer -- Feel like you've been unjustly treated or overcharged for a product or service? You can take on the system and win.

Ask and you shall receive ... a rate reduction -- Want to lower the interest rate on your credit card? Just ask. It's that easy.
PLUS: How to ask your creditor for a rate reduction

More credit card stories
Interest-rate roundup -- Find out where credit card rates are headed this week.
PLUS: Track prime rate/other leading rate indexes

Cut your debt now while rates are low -- Increase your net worth in tough economic times by paying down your debts.

Credit Scoring 101 -- If you want a loan, a job or an apartment, you'd better know about credit scoring and credit reports.