Then interchange fees pay for rewards on top cards... so basically, little old ladies on fixed incomes are subsidizing your asshole neighbor's vacation to Miami.

In other words, they raised their prices across the board. You're welcome to continue to be a customer, or not, up to you.

Here's the meat of the letter I got:
The new terms on your account include a higher annual percentage rate. This change was made to enable us to continue provide quality service and to ensure profitability. The change in your annual percentage rate was not based on individual characteristics or account performance.

First of all, I don't know what they mean by "continue to provide quality service," because I don't feel like I ever got quality service from HSBC in the first place.

Second, "to ensure profitability" for whom? Certainly not cardholders.

Asshats.

It's seems like they have no customer service, don't provide you with something you need, and keep adding hidden (or even not hidden) fees on a regular basis.

@Chicago7: For about ten years I resisted getting a credit card (other than the company issued cards for expense accounts and the like). I finally took the plunge when my bank offered me 0% on purchases for 9 months. Have never paid a fee, and never will.

Fact is you shouldn't get a credit card if you can't afford it. The only things I use my card for are a) to smooth out my spending so that I'm never overdrawn on my account, b) to provide some level of fraud protection online so I don't have to give away bank info.

I always pay in full, etc. etc... the ideal situation would be that I never have to contact my CC company, ever, not even to raise my limit, because then I know I'm living within my means.

When they start charging "paying on time fees", it's time for the scissors.

But, I don't understand why people still smoke cigarettes and I've NEVER understood why people smoke cigars, so maybe it's just me.

Your point was that the credit card companies are giving you their money. My point was that they are really giving you, my money. And taking credit cards or not, these days, is hardly an option for any business anymore.

That's the cost of getting my business. If you think having me as a customer isn't worth it, you're welcome not to accept credit cards.

About your cash back bonuses... some of that money you are getting back is taken right from the retailer where you use your card. I own my own business and am charged higher fees when someone uses a cash back bonus card. I guess it's another way for the CC companies to stick it to the little businesses.

I love the "You're pre-approved to be our debt slave" part. Isn't that in the contract already?

Now, why does the movie "Sliver" constantly show up as being 'related' in Amazon's ads on Consumerist. This has nothing to do with bad acting, or Billy Baldwin.

Although, I hate the oft-misrepresented term "Machiavellian", usually by those who have never actually read Machiavelli. Anyway, I digress.

Coast Capital web banner ad -- "Thank you for noticing our banner ad. Banner-noticing fee: $2.81"

Their radio ads are excellent, as they combine the horror of stupid fees with the nuisance of being placed on hold "Thank you for calling Big Bank. Your call is important to us. Please enter your card number followed by the number sign and a representative will help you. On Hold fee: $9.50 will now be billed to your account. Your call will be answered in ... 97 minutes. Did you know that you can now bank online? Customer education fee: $25.00 will be billed to your account. Tired of needless fees? Our excellent One Fee program costs only $30 a month!" etc, etc, etc...