The FDIC and the other federal banking regulators listed on "For More Information" have publications, Web sites, staff and other resources that can help answer your questions about credit cards and debit cards. The FDIC's Web site includes a special page devoted to credit cards at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/ccc/index.html.

The Federal Trade Commission works to prevent unfair business practices. For more information, including consumer brochures and procedures for filing a complaint against a nonbank lender, call toll-free 877-FTC-HELP—that's 877-382-4357—or go to www.ftc.gov.

Other consumer information from the federal government, including publications available from the Federal Citizen Information Center (call toll-free at 888-878-3256 or go to www.pueblo.gsa.gov) and the Web site FirstGov for Consumers (www.consumer.gov).

Your financial institution will have staff who can answer your questions. Call the local or toll-free number for the customer service department as listed in your phone book, on your monthly statement or on the back of your credit card or debit card. These institutions also may have useful Web sites.