Unfortunately, if you "fire" your credit card company by paying off your balance and canceling the card, you also reduce your credit score, leading to potential

Unfortunately, if you "fire" your credit card company by paying off your balance and canceling the card, you also reduce your credit score, leading to potentially worse terms for your next loan. As stated in the original article, the second-worst kind of credit card user from the issuer's POV is the one who immediately pays down their balance each month, without ever incurring interest or late-payment fees. This is possible only because of the altogether too-cozy relationship between the credit rating agencies and card issuers. I think any regulation of the lending industry should start with the credit rating agencies, and move on to the banks only after they've established effective oversight and consumer protection in that space. (Incidentally, my disgust with the normal lending practices in the credit card market is the reason that the only one I will carry is a small-limit emergency card issued by my local credit union. Since they're a member-owned not-for-profit institution, I have far more trust in their desire to serve my financial needs, rather than trying to screw me over for a buck.)