by Alison Storm | 03/19/10

Perhaps yours got stuffed in a junk drawer, shredded or tossed in the recycle bin. Those credit card agreements that show up in the mail when you first get a new card-- you know, the ones with teeny tiny writing that are about as thick as a new batch of checks-- are now required to be posted online. The new rule is part of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 and took effect on February 22, 2010.

The new rules state that "any cardholder will be able to access a copy of his or her own credit card agreement." According to the Federal Reserve Board, "The Board continues to believe that, to enable consumers to shop for credit cards and compare information about various credit card plans in an effective manner, it is necessary that the credit card agreements posted on the Board's Web site include rates, fees and other pricing information." According to a report by Fox News, in the past credit card companies would change their agreement with a cardholder and only send them the portion of the agreement impacted by the change, not the entire agreement. So if a credit card user had a dispute, it was often difficult to get their hands on an entire copy of the agreement. Here are some more facts about this new rule:

• The agreement posting requirements apply only to credit card companies with more than 10,000 credit card accounts.


• Private label credit card companies, such as those for specific retail stores, do not have to post this information on their websites, but they must provide a copy of the credit card agreement to any customer who requests it.


• Since some credit card companies offer a long list of credit cards, you may have to search for your particular card since agreements vary depending on which type of card you hold.


• You may also call the customer service number on the back of your credit card to request a new copy of your credit card agreement.