Consumer Action Launches “Know Your Card” Website to Help Consumers

By Ralph E. Stone

November 1, 2012

Consumer Action (www.consumer-action.org) launched its new website (www.knowyourcard.org) to help consumers understand the new laws and other changes regarding credit, debit, prepaid, and gift cards. The website’s homepage presents key payment card changes, explains how they could affect cardholders and offers tips to help consumers make better decisions. Sidebar links to the At-a-Glance Card Rulebook provide more detailed information and an overview of changes for each type of payment card.

Who is Consumer Action? Consumer Action is a nonprofit organization that has championed the rights of underrepresented consumers nationwide since 1971. Throughout its history, the organization has dedicated its resources to promoting financial literacy and advocating for consumer rights in both the media and before lawmakers to promote economic justice for all. With the resources and infrastructure to reach millions of consumers, Consumer Action is one of the most recognized, effective, and trusted consumer organizations in the nation. I am a volunteer with Consumer Action providing information and resources to people with consumer complaints and problems.

The website’s homepage presents key payment card changes, explains how they could affect cardholders and offers tips to help consumers make the right moves. Sidebar links to the At-a-Glance Card Rulebook provide more detailed information and an overview of changes for each type of payment card.

The areas discussed on the website:

– Credit card surcharging

–  Debit card routing

– Payment steering

– Credit card minimum purchase requirements

– Interchange fees

– Credit card minimum age requirements

– Interest rate increase

– Credit card fees

– Card payments

– Gift cards

Finally, a search box allows consumers to access an extensive database of questions and answers (Q&As) and find what they are looking for fast. Visitors can access the Q&As by using the search box or by browsing Q&As by category, or even by asking Consumer Action a question via a form on the site. They can then rate the Q&As, and their ratings will provide feedback on how helpful the answers are.

Ralph E. Stone

I was born in Massachusetts; graduated from Middlebury College and Suffolk Law School; served as an officer in the Vietnam war; retired from the Federal Trade Commission (consumer and antitrust law); travel extensively with my wife Judi; and since retirement involved in domestic violence prevention and consumer issues.

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