cards

The Federal Reserve's highly unusual promise — to keep interest rates low for "at least" two more  years — comes as the central bank is running out of options to reassure panicky markets.

Before the recession, credit card issuers were eager to hand out plastic, relaxing their standards to the point where it seemed anybody could get their hands on one or more cards.

With an IPO on the cards, two of Groupon’s co-founders are already cashing in on its success. Now they plan to use their money to build a generation of companies that can mimic Groupon’s tactic of using people — not technology — to grow an online business.

Remember those plastic rectangular things in your wallet with a magnetic strip on the back? Unfortunately, in 2010 a lot of us -- me included -- had at least one of our cards taken away against our will.

I wish I had better news on the card industry for 2011, but for many of us the stars just aren’t lining up.

Here’s what 2011 has in store for credit card users.

The Kardashian sisters are seeking to cut ties with a venture that sold prepaid debit cards under their name after coming under attack for the card's high fees.

The card, which launched three weeks ago, was aimed at young adults, the same group that watches the sisters' hit cable TV show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians."

While a lack of credit card interest rates might be a nice change of pace, debit cards come with their own set of risks.

The following graphic weighs the risks of both and details card usage over time.

Prepaid debit cards are among the consumer banking industry’s fastest-growing products, but often their convenience comes with fees hidden in the fine print.

A helpful resource for current and new credit card holders. See the credit card bill of rights and which cards are complying, so you make the right choice.

When it comes to hiring, some employers act like they hold all the cards--and they can treat job seekers as poorly as they want, without consequence.

They're wrong: Smart employers know that good candidates have options (to say nothing of the ethical implications of being rude just because you think you can).

After network didn't sell, new chief wants to retool...