An uprising of new credit cards is coming in 2011.  Significant changes to the credit industry can be attributed to new technologies, less stringent lending practices, and tighter government regulations.  For those careful consumers, these changes may bring about opportunities to greatly lower their monthly expenses. 

With the economy rebounding, credit card offers are filling the mailboxes once more.  According to market researcher Synovate, credit card mailings doubled from the previous year.  Lucrative offers continue to be abundant for individuals with a strong credit history.

Due to new government regulations, late fees are capped at twenty-five dollars, interest rates cannot increase without warning, and monthly statements must be more transparent in disclosing balance information. 

In the new year, consumers can expect more generous balance transfers.  Many card issuers are extending their zero interest promotional periods to about a year.  Balance transfers fees have also been reduced from five percent to three percent. 

On a darker note, consumers can also expect higher credit card interest rates for the year.  The average interest rate on credit card offers is 14.4 percent.  This is almost a three percent increase from a year before.  New government regulations prohibit card companies for increasing rates the first year of an account.  As a result, issuers are raising rates before you apply for the card.