Credit cards banned from online gambling sites in the U.S…

FTC takes action against pre-recorded sales calls to consumers…

New service allows you to create the perfect credit card…

While Citi warned us last year that it planned to tack on an annual fee to accounts that didn’t meet a specified spending threshold, that news became a reality this week as notices of this policy change poured into cardholder mailboxes. Effective April 1, 2010, an annual fee of $60 is being added to many Citi credit card holders’ accounts. That fee will be credited back to the account holder if spending reaches $2400 in the calendar year.

Marriott and Chase recently announced changes to their credit cards that will allow cardholders to earn Elite status faster and earn more Marriott Rewards bonus points. For every $3,000 in annual spending, cardmembers will now earn one extra Elite night credit. In addition, cardmembers will receive 15,000 bonus points on 7-night redemption stays at category 7 and 8 hotels. There is no limit to number of extra Elite nights or bonus points earned.

Long known for its line of charge cards, American Express recently unveiled a new charge product targeted towards the younger generation. The Amex Zync is being pitched as a way to build your credit history without the danger of running up high interest charges, since it must be paid in full every month.

Bright Star Credit Union offers a Cash Rewards Platinum Visa that features a 0% intro APR on balance transfers within 10 days of approval for the first 6 billing cycles of the account with no balance transfer fees or annual fees. In addition, the Cash Rewards credit card earns a 1.25% rebate on purchases, subject to a limit of $600 of rebates per calendar year.

If you’re a Discover Card holder, it’s time to check your mail. From February through June 2010, Discover is running a special promo to targeted cardholders. If you’re eligible, you can earn a $500 bonus for spending at least $2,000 each month from February 2010 through June 2010. To enroll:
1) Call 1-866-645-1436 from January 1, 2010 to February 1, 2010 and let us know you’d like to stop using other cards and switch your spending to Discover.

Amex Platinum or Centurion cardmembers can get one night free at either the Wynn or Encore in Las Vegas, with a minimum 2 night stay:

Stay between Jan 15th and ends June 30th, 2010. First complimentary night free with a 2 night minimum. (essentially buy one, get 1 night free)
MENTION Promo Code: E1320542 (this is not bookable on the new FHR website, must phone in)

American Express just announced a new Membership Rewards redemption option, allowing cardmembers to use points toward federal, state and local income tax payments. Through expanded partnerships with Pay1040 and Official Payments Corp, cardmembers can now redeem their points towards the actual tax payment.