2006: A look back ... a look ahead: Credit cards

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Debit card usage surpassed that of credit cards in 2006 as the industry continues to promote new card programs.

Credit cards: A look inside

Credit cards

Plastic played an even bigger role in our lives in 2006 and the trend is accelerating.

�	Review 2006 Debit cards outdid credit cards in dollar volume in 2006 for the first time as consumers increasingly chose a pay-as-you-go strategy.
�	Preview 2007 New uses for prepaid cards, contactless payments and exclusive credit card rewards programs will be promoted in the coming year.
�	Best moves 2007 Paying them off is best, but, in addition to the obvious, here are some other good moves to make.
�	Beware automatic bill pay It's convenient, but it can cause problems if you're not careful.
�	Monitor your credit reports A look at the pros and cons of ID-theft protection plans, from credit freezes to credit monitoring services.
�	Paying minimums suicidal This interactive calculator demonstrates the financial trap of paying only minimums.