I had perfect credit and a five year plan to pay off credit cards then retire. One day I had a payment returned(Citibank) for a stamp. I got it in the mail right away and called them and explained what happened and payment might be a day late. The next month interest went from 12% to 19%. I called and was told there was nothing they could do. The following month the other credit card companies I had a card through went to 19-21% even though I had never missed or been late for a payment. They all said there was nothing they could do. I kept up for a while,but eventually in trying to do so,lost my home to foreclosure,that is when I gave up. I realized being 67 I would not see these credit cards paid off in my lifetime,so I retired and went on Social Security. I do get harrassed,but after explaining my income was SS and a small pension they back off. I take responsibility for the inital debt,but it seems to me that when credit card companies won't work with you over something as simple as a stupid stamp they want default to happen. I feel no guilt about not paying, I feel victimized, I never thought golden years would be this tough. I have not filed bankruptcy as I do not have the money to do so.