In the credit card news today

According to an article in CNN.com/Living, Americans put $2.2 trillion in debt on their credit cards last year. In fact, the percentage of those who pay late was the highest in three years. While some companies will lower your interest rates if you ask, experts say we should use no more than 10 percent of our available credit in today's credit environment. Details here.

In other news, watch out for your neigbors! According to according to the Sarasota Highlands Today, a Sebring woman was arrested Wednesday and charged with 41 fraud and larceny counts for allegedly stealing her neighbors' mail and using their credit cards and checks. Gory credit card details here.

In still more news, the American Chronicle reports on options for consumers with bad credit. Bad credit applicants know that getting a credit card is not an easy task when your credit report shows delinquencies and write offs. The Chronicle recommends that when seeking a new credit card, bad credit applicants should seek alternatives. See Cardpick's section on credit cards for people with bad credit.

Also recommended for monitoring your credit please try our affiliate, FreeCreditReport.com.