These days, the credit card industry is experiencing a really troublesome period. The credit crisis has injured the banks and companies' financial health greatly. Now that they are trying to recover and make up for the losses by right or wrong, credit providers are letting down the bars and resort to unfair credit card practices.

And this means that now you are to be extremely careful applying for credit card offers. Even the credit card companies with unfailing reputation are not the ones to be 100% trusted. They can serve you a third-rate course under a delicious souse of the-so-called "perks" that are designed to trigger high fees and interest rates.

So, when you are out searching for a new credit card, keep in mind the tricks that credit card issuers want to catch you in. Here are the most common ticks.

Tricky Intro Rates

A 0% intro APR is just a magic spell for credit consumers. And many customers, charmed by this enticing feature forget about everything and apply for such a card without reading the plastic's terms and conditions.

No doubt that a promotional interest-free period is a great option for a credit card holder. Especially for those who want to pay down their debt as soon as possible. You get a new credit card with a teaser rate, transfer your old balance to it and enjoy paying off your debt at 0% rate. But creditors perfectly realize that they get no profit from customers constantly shifting balances from one plastic with zero introductory rate to another and change cards like underwear.

And lenders take measures to reduce frequent balance transfers. They impose penalty fees on transferring the balance within the first year of use. Even on balance transfer cards sometimes. But this penalty is not advertized in a large print, you will find this term only in the microscopic print in your credit card agreement. So, be careful with all those ongoing rates and fees. Check all terms and conditions before applying, especially those, concerning canceling the card.

Chasing the Insolvent Borrowers

People who have recently filed for bankruptcy (they are not eligible to declare bankruptcy for another 6 years), students (they are inexperienced in credit card management and finances) become victims of creditors' aggressive advertising. For these consumer groups credit companies issue plastics with sky-high rates and fees, which make up a large part of lenders' revenue.

Out-of-the-Blue Annual Fee

Though you have signed up for a no annual fee card, you can be charged one, even though you pay off your entire credit card balance every month. First, try to find out what triggered the fee. If you do not find any reasonable explanation, talk to your credit card issuer. If this does not work, just cancel the card.

Decreasing Credit Limit

Here is another underhanded practice. A customer is encouraged to use a skip-a-payment offer, a convenience check or a cash advance, and what does he or she get in return? A credit limit cut. A card holder turns out to be above his or her credit limit and is charged an additional fee for that. The credit line can also be cut once you max out your card.

And More Fees

Cash advance fee - about 2% of the amount of cash withdrawn (no less than $10);

Calling the toll-free number in order to check your balance;

Penalty fees in case your account is inactive, and some other credit card hidden charges.

So, the best decision when you become a victim of some creditors' unfair practices is to call them up. Dial the toll-free number you will find on the back of your credit card and claim the fee refund, your credit limit re-extended back, etc.

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