Middle-class Americans increasingly rely on credit cards to meet daily expenses. Already saddled with debt that has now reached $943.5 billion, consumers are slapped with excessive and obscure fees and interest charges that, if they are explained at all, are described in small text and confusing language. The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act prohibits several types of unscrupulous credit card fees and unfair consumer practices. For example, companies may no longer charge fees for on-time payment, payment of more than the minimum balance; or for non-use of a credit card. Significantly, cardholders cannot be charged a fee on credit information that is not related to their account with a particular credit card issuer. Cardholders must be notified in advance about increases in annual interest rates, and these increases cannot be applied retroactively to outstanding credit card balances. The legislation requires credit card companies to disclose repayment information, such as the required minimum monthly payment and the monthly payments required to repay an outstanding balance within 36 months. Additionally, credit cards can only be issued to consumers under the age of eighteen if they have a co-signor, submit proof of independent means to repay debt obligations, or submit proof of completion of a credit counseling course.