As the final pieces of the CARD Act have slid into place, the mainstream media have been touting this legislation as a win for consumers because the intent is to provide consumer-friendly options. Now, add in the recent Pew Health Group Study that notes the CARD Act has made bank-issued credit cards more like credit unions'. This is yet another reminder that we have an opportunity to make credit union credit cards the first choice not just another choice.

We have an opportunity to be the issuer of first choice-the credit card at the top of the wallet. Yes, we're being held accountable right along with the largest issuers for their misdoings, but we can make the adjustments quickly because fundamentally, we've had the right product all along. Credit unions understand that consumers want to pay their bills, so we shouldn't be afraid to reach outside our comfort zone to attract potential cardholders.