Variable-interest rates on credit cards scooted down 1 basis point this week. The average fixed rate for all cards -- standard, gold and platinum -- remained 11.88 percent, but the average variable rate fell to 11.27 percent. Standard fixed-rate cards stayed at 13.42 percent and standard variable-rate cards dropped to 11.67 percent.

Expect closer scrutiny of your credit usage as issuers deal with increasing delinquencies and cardholder debt. American Express already reports a rise in late payments from its cardholders. Both Discover Financial Services and Washington Mutual expect higher credit card losses later this year while J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. forecasts more charge offs in 2009.

In April, consumers owed a record $956.9 billion in revolving debt, up from $894.8 billion last year, according to the Federal Reserve.

-- Leslie McFadden

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