2. Raising interest rates because of late payments on other cards and loans: This is known as a universal default clause. Your lenders frequently check your credit report. If they see a late payment on another account, they may raise the interest rate you pay them.

3. Requiring a minimum purchase to maintain interest rates: These are common with balance transfers. The consumer’s payments are applied to the lowest annual percentage rate first, so purchases made at a higher interest rate, accrue interest until the lower balance is paid off — which could be years.

4. Insurance against unauthorized purchases: Another heavily advertised benefit. Most consumers don’t know federal law limits their liability to $50.

5. Changing account terms without prior consent: Use of the card signifies a consumer’s agreement and consent.

6. Not providing the card and terms for which you applied: Consumers with poor credit histories may not get the advertised teaser rates, but use of the card indicates their consent.

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7. Free trials that renew automatically: Customers frequently forget they signed up for these, and it can be tough to stop the automatic billing. Credit insurance or fraud protection are common free trials.

8. Putting money into a savings account when you make a purchase: The best way to save is with discipline, not by spending more money.

9. Penalties for the use of staples and paperclips in your payment: To discourage this, some credit card companies will impose a five-day penalty, which could result in your payment being posted late -— which could mean late fees and higher interest rates, and a drop in your credit score.

10. Charging for making payments by telephone: A convenient feature, but is it worth $20 per month charged to your credit card?

— Source: Consumer Credit Counseling of Southern Oregon