Credit card debt 'temptation' blitz

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Legislation is planned to stop card firms from raising a customer's credit limit when this has not been requested.

Ministers will also move to ban firms from sending out unsolicited credit card cheques to consumers.

It is understood that the legislation is being introduced amid concerns that some consumers believe that since the lender has offered a new more generous credit limit without this being requested, then it must be affordable and within their means.

There is also concern that unsolicited credit card cheques, usually sent out unrequested, can tempt consumers into spending money they may not be able to afford to pay back.

Consumer Affairs Minister Gareth Thomas said: "We are concerned that people may be tempted to borrow irresponsibly if credit card companies increase borrowing limits without this being requested by customers, or send out unsolicited credit card cheques.

"It's vital we protect consumers at this time and we are exploring these issues carefully."

But a spokesman for the UK payments association Apacs told BBC News its members did not raise the credit limits of borrowers with financial problems.

He added that only 7% of the cheques sent out were actually used.

Credit card cheques, which usually carry more expensive charges than credit cards, are sent to customers who are invited to use them for purchases or payments, and settle the amount on their next credit card bill.