You can hardly ever find any cardholder that wouldn't be confused after any cash withdrawal or making purchases abroad. Foreign transactions turn to be rather costly. On the one hand this is obvious - except for the bank commission they charge an expensive conversion. But this is not the only reason.

Several months ago sensation law process started in California. The largest payment systems in the world - VISA International and MasterCard - are being investigated by American justice. The regular consumers - citizens of California asserted a claim.

According to USA Federal Reserve data more than 40% of American families spend more money than they make. In average each American spends $1.2 for every $1 he makes. Non-circulating debt (for example, a car loan) accounts for 63% of these borrowings. Speaking of circulating (constantly paid off by credit cards) debt, its growth is really swift. Five years ago this index was 1/3 smaller; 10 years ago it was twice as smaller. Today an average American owns 2,7 bank credit cards, 3,8 retail credit cards and 1,1 debit cards - in all 7,6 plastics per person.

It was in bad repute to have a debt till the XX century. Debt was considered to be a sin among Puritans and Quakers, who were the most powerful social strata at the time. It was a tradition to step into a New Year being free from debts. Today it can't ruin your reputation to have a debt. Everything has turned to be the opposite. Owning a debt and making regular payments makes you the most respected and desired consumer. Credit companies can trust you. But it may have an unexpected effect - even if you have a considerable income but have no credit, issuing companies will not give you a card.