The credit card squeeze continues for consumers

Using credit cards has become downright dangerous for consumers. I'm not even referring to identity theft or fraud risks. I'm talking about the legal stuff that credit card companies can do to you. It's all in the agreement you signed to get the card.

It's been well documented in the media that credit card companies have been wielding their power over consumers in the last several months. Available credit has been reduced. Interest rates have been increased. Minimum monthly payments have been upped. And now new fees are ticking off consumers.

JPMorgan Chase is charging cardholders with balances $10 a month simply for the privilege of carrying a balance. (As if you're not already paying enough in interest by carrying a balance?) The scary thing about this is that it's perfectly legal, because the credit card agreements essentially say that the company can make any changes they want to your account and terms, and they don't even need to have a good reason to do it.