4) Fewer rewards
Rewards programs have been enticing shoppers to charge a purchase rather than paying cash -- but card issuers are cutting back those perks.
"This is happening with a significant amount of cards," Hardekopf said, adding that many consumers are now receiving 1% cash back instead of the 2% or 3% they once enjoyed.
American Express recently cut its Blue Card's cash back policy from 1.5% to 1.25%. And all AmEx customers who make a late payment will no longer accrue points on their purchases -- however, those points can be reinstated with a $29 fee.
NEXT: 5) Slashed credit limits and canceled accounts
