The media has been extremely critical of these new charges and the timing thereof. What all the coverage and comment has failed to point out is that if you clear your account monthly by the specified date no interest will arise. In my humble opinion one of the main factors that have given rise to all personal debt problems is high limits on credit cards and people not clearing the balance due. If you dont do this you are trapped in very expensive debt which most people will find it hard to get out of.