I’ve wondered about that as well. I took a loan from my retirement account, paid off two credit cards (figuring if I’m paying anyone interest, it’s ME and at a much lower rate). So, the one I have left is a Capital One. I just double checked, and while I’ve never been more than 5 days late, my interest rate has gone WAY up. I had a bankruptcy in 1998, and Capital One ‘took a chance’ on me, and gave me a card almost immediately afterward. I paid my entire monthly balance for a few years, until I got married, had 2 kids, and laid off from work. Now, I’m still thinking it’s worth it to pay it off, then close the account. Although, if they change my rate again, I’m going to tell them to stick it, and just stop paying. Wasn’t there laws against usury in this country? Are there still?
Usury laws (sp?) apply to Banks and guys named GUIDO or Rocko. Credit card companies had their own Lobbyists.