But she was recently declined a new major credit card and even a department-store credit card.

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As for credit-card costs to the government, a Treasury Department agency handles all government credit-card transactions and negotiates costs.

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Box 364, LaPorte, CO 80535, or call Canyon Utilities at 970-881-2262 to make a credit card donation to the department.

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If a department store or credit card company wants to call you 50 times a day at all hours and berate you mercilessly, the FDCPA will not protect you.

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Along the way the credit card giants have tangled with the Justice Department and Amex over rules limiting which cards banks can issue.

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This top-rated credit card gives you 2 percent cash back on regular department store purchases.

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