Americans are more worried about identify theft and credit card fraud than ever before. According to market research company Mintel, almost one in two adults (46 percent) worry about having their identity stolen and about being subject to credit card fraud.

If there is one positive fall-out from the credit crisis and the prolonged financial downturn, it is that it has prompted many Americans to look to acquire greater financial know-how.

To help cardholders navigate the new credit card era, Bankrate.com, a leading personal finance website, has issued a new Credit Card Guide for 2010.

American Express recently launched a multi-partner initiative to assist small businesses during the economic downturn by helping them tap into the many opportunities for increasing their business through government contracting.

After a long period of cutting back on credit card offers and otherwise tightening terms, credit card companies may be getting ready to increase lending again. Still, for people with bad credit scores, there was bad news: they are not likely to be invited to the party.