>Have had what I call excellent credit rating and always pay credit card balance each month. (90% of the time)
>The main card i use had an interest rate of 7.8%, just got a letter from them telling me that I qualified for a new rate of 29.8% from now on with a list of all extra charges that ranged from about $30 and over based on the penalty.
>

Have you picked up the phone and called them to complain? At least to find out why they're bumping your rate up like that.

I'd also be looking at the original paperwork to find out if they're allowed to go up that much at once.

Tamar