In recent years you have probably noticed a decline in credit card offers arriving in your mailbox. Before the recession took hold of the country, American consumers were regularly inundated with offers of credit in their mail each day. As the economy took a nose dove, credit issuers reigned in the credit free for all with a noticeable drop in direct mailings to consumers. That is about to change according to Mintel Comperemedia, a company providing direct marketing information. Mintel Comperemedia has reported that the volume of direct mail from credit card issuers has increased for the first time in three years.

This information suggests credit card issuers are feeling more confident about the economy. As a result, they are increasing credit offers to consumers. While this may be viewed as a good thing, we all need positive information regarding the economy-increased credit offers may not be the best solution to keep consumers on track. Most consumers have either voluntarily curbed their spending or were forced to cut back due to financial hardships in recent years. Regardless of the reason this new found appreciation for saving and living a more frugal lifestyle is one of the only benefits of the recession.

The question is whether or not consumers will continue paying close attention to their personal finances or will we quickly forget the lessons learned in recent years? The credit card companies are counting on consumers opening new accounts to offset revenue that may be lost as a result of the CARD Act. New regulations take hold on the 22nd of February and credit card companies are gearing up to find another way to balance their portfolios.

Consumers are warned that the credit card offers arriving in the mail today are different from the offers extended a few years ago. Do not look for 0% interest introductory offers or other perks which were common prior to the recession. Just because the credit card issuer is willing to extend more credit in the recovering economy, they do so at a price. Credit offers today will come with higher APR’s and annual fees are expected to return.

It seems the rules have changed but the game remains the same. Credit card companies rely on account holders who run up a balance only to spend years paying the minimum payment in a fruitless effort to repay their debt. Consumers who have excellent credit have their choice of credit cards and do not rely on direct solicitation to obtain credit. By increasing their direct mailing they target the very same group of consumers who they wanted to avoid during the recession, individuals who more than likely cannot afford to use a credit card.

Hopefully we have all learned a valuable lesson in recent years. Credit cards can be a valuable tool when used responsibly. When managed improperly the effects on your personal finances can be devastating. The economy may be on the road to recovery but millions of American consumers have a longer road ahead to fix their finances. Before jumping on an offer for credit (which is tempting if you are struggling financially) remember that adding new debt will hinder your efforts to achieve financial freedom.

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