There will be several. 2010 will usher in the end of “gotcha” rate hikes, which for so long have surprised consumers. This and other changes, that are the result of the CARD Act, will cause the negative sentiment most consumers and Congress have towards the credit card industry to dissipate considerably, but it will be close to the end of the year before we see that happen.
Additionally, credit card companies will begin to compete with each other for customers again in 2010. Competition in the market has been frozen because, due to record high default rates, the focus for issuers has been on loss prevention. This will continue into 2010, but consumer credit will begin to become more readily available.
Lastly, and again due to the CARD Act, secured credit cards will make a comeback in 2010. This is because under the CARD Act, consumers under 21 who want to apply for a credit card will either have to show proof of income or obtain a cosigner in order to be eligible for an account. If neither of these options are achievable, secured cards will become the only option for consumers between the ages of 18-21 who are in the market for credit.