American Express

Just as Washington hands over the biggest bailout in history to Wall Street in what is ostensibly a way to free up credit markets, banks are looking for ways to collect more money from debt-submerged consumers. They’re charging new fees, raising rates, and lowering limits.

The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights, which Reps. Bachmann and Kline voted against, might offer some reprieve for strapped consumers, if it passes the Senate. But is there any recourse from bank control in the meantime?