These days, banks and credit card issuers have been vilified. With interest rate hikes, increased fees, government 
bailouts, and high CEO salaries; customers seem to be fed up with the financial industry as a whole. JD Powers and Associates 2009 Credit Card Satisfaction Survey questioned 9,000 credit card customers on their overall satisfaction with their credit card issuers. The survey focused on 6 main areas: customer interaction, fees and rates, billing and payment process, rewards, benefits and services, and problem resolution. The results reported the lowest level of customer satisfaction in the three year history of the survey. But there is some good news. The banking industry is trying hard to improve its battered image as many banks and card issuers are developing innovative ways to give back to the community, their customers, and the environment with the creative use of credit cards and credit card-based programs.
Giving Back
If you are looking to donate to a charity and purchase a gift card, you can do both with the new United Way Charity Gift Card. American Express, the card issuer, will donate the $3.95 card purchase fee (up to $250,000) to the United Way. The ca
negative effect on the gift card industry. According to a new survey conducted by the National Research Network and the Hartman Group: “1/3 of consumers who buy or receive gift cards plan to buy few gift cards or spend less on gift cards this November and December holiday season due to the current economic situation.” Consumers are looking to spend wiser this season. There are fees and expiration dates associated with using gift cards that have recently come under federal scrutiny in the Credit Card Act of 2009. While most of the provisions of the Credit Card Act take effect in February 2010, the gift card portion does not take effect until August 2010. So in the meantime there are things the consumer needs to know to avoid fees and get the most out of their gift cards.