Virgil Larson writes for the Omaha World-Herald about First Data's Omaha-based card issuing division and the company's exploration of strategic alternatives for that business.

Nick Bunkley writes for the Detroit News on the risks of using credit cards to pay higher utility bills this winter - unless you're sure you're going to pay your credit card bill off in full each month.

The Sioux Falls (SD) Argus Leader reports on the consumer lending business in South Dakota - where the industry is relatively "loosely regulated" and where payday lending is booming.

Randi Marshall and Tami Luhby write for Newsday on the increasing US consumer debt burden and ask whether something's got to give.

Lou Dolinar writes for Newsday on virtual gifts suitable for last minute gift giving this holiday season - including gift cards, etc.

Ted Griffith reports for the Wilmington (DE) News Journal on the heavy reliance on the credit card industry for jobs in the state of Delaware.