More and more credit card issuers are crossing the $30 barrier in late payment fees and over-limit fees. Most of the top issuers slowly jacked-up late fees from an average of $12 in 1994 to slightly less than $28 today. However major issuers such as Fleet, CompuCredit, and Direct Merchants now assess much higher fees. CompuCredit now charges a $35 late fee and a $35 over-limit fee on its lineup of 'Aspire VISA' cards, which come in the Classic, Diamond, Gold, and Platinum flavors. Meanwhile, Direct Merchants Bank has tacked a late payment fee and over-limit fee of $34 on its new Titanium MasterCard. Last November, Fleet Credit Card Services began charging a $35 late fee on all its card products including the new Fusion smart VISA. However Fleet has continued to cap the over-limit fee at $29. Advanta was the first card issuer to institute $35 fees for holders of its business card products. The fee frenzy also extends to other areas such as cash advances and balance transfers. The Direct Merchants Titanium MasterCard carries a 4% balance transfer fee and cash advance fee, subject to a $4 to $15 minimum. CompuCredit cards also carry 5% cash advance fees with a $2 minimum. Best advice for cardholders: mail in a minimum payment as soon as you receive your statement and avoid maxing out.