Editor's note: Clark Howard, the Atlanta, Georgia-based host of a nationally syndicated radio show, hosts a television show designed to help viewers save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off during these tough economic times. The show airs at noon and 4 p.m. ET Saturdays and Sundays on HLN.





Clark Howard says, "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely."





ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- I've been getting many calls from listeners who are outraged or perplexed by the actions of their credit card issuer.





The issuing banks are raising interest rates by 20 percent or more -- even if the individual has good credit, has never been late on a payment or hasn't even had any change in their credit standing.





This is happening across all income levels. It's even affecting successful business owners and moderate to wealthy individuals. Fortune magazine recently spotlighted one small business owner who had a card that went from nearly 8 percent to 26 percent, even though nothing changed with his finances or payment history.





Bank of America, Citibank and Capital One are among the big issuers arbitrarily jacking up rates in the face of what they often cite as a "continually changing business environment." In fact, the Federal Reserve reports 37 percent of banks have increased their interest rates.





The reality is that the banks are fearful of the high rate of credit card default, and they know they've got you if you're among the 70 percent of Americans who carry a month-to-month balance.





The good news here is that there are new rules coming that will stop the banks from retroactively raising the rate on existing balances you already carry. The banks will still, however, be able to raise the rates if you stop paying as well as on all future purchases.





But what stinks is that these rules won't go into effect until July 2010. That gives the banks plenty of time to lobby members of Congress and get this pending legislation overturned.





For right now, the problem with banks jacking up the rates is that they're making it tougher for someone who might have been able to pay at 5 percent but could never pay at 30 percent, for example.





So they're setting you up for failure, and they're shooting themselves in the foot at the same time.





The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely. And don't assume you're a sitting duck if your credit standing is decent. You can always shop around for a card that has a lower rate. Try looking at Web sites such as CardWeb.com or CardTrak.com to find the best rates.





I also have a special warning for you if you're buried in debt and thinking about using one of those debt-negotiation firms that advertise all over the Internet and late-night TV.





Do not believe these people about their ability to negotiate with your credit card company and reduce your outstanding balance by 50 percent or more. These con artists get you to pay them money as a retainer and then tell you to stop making all payments while they negotiate on your behalf.





But they're rip-off artists through and through. Many banks won't even take a phone call from these people anymore because they're on to their game. That leaves you scammed out of your retainer fee while your bills continue to pile up.





There is a better way to address your debt. Try calling your credit card company and telling them you're in over your head. You may get blown off, or they may work with you. If you do get the cold shoulder, go to NFCC.org -- the National Foundation for Credit Counseling -- and find a local affiliate who can help you come up with a debt-conquering plan for free or very low cost.





You didn't get into credit card debt overnight, and you won't get out of it overnight; the recovery is going to be a slow step-by-step process.
when will rules stop banks from retroactively raising rate on existing balances? Who are getting hit? what did Howard say? What says Clark Howard? what is Howard advice? What will the rules do? What does Howard advise?
July 2010. successful business owners and moderate to wealthy individuals. "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely." "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely." "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely." stop the banks from retroactively raising the rate on existing balances you already carry. "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely."
question: when will rules stop banks from retroactively raising rate on existing balances?, answer: July 2010. | question: Who are getting hit?, answer: successful business owners and moderate to wealthy individuals. | question: what did Howard say?, answer: "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely." | question: What says Clark Howard?, answer: "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely." | question: what is Howard advice?, answer: "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely." | question: What will the rules do?, answer: stop the banks from retroactively raising the rate on existing balances you already carry. | question: What does Howard advise?, answer: "The only smart move is to pay your debt down or pay it off entirely."