This year, U.S. consumers will charge about $3.5 billion per day during the 27 shopping days between the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For the season, consumers will rack up $95.3 billion of charges on general purpose bank credit cards/charge cards and private label store cards. CardTrak predicts consumers will charge $71.1 billion on VISA, MasterCard, Discover credit cards and all American Express cards. About $8.0 billion will be transacted on VISA Check Cards and MasterMoney cards. Store card volume should be $16.2 billion for the 1997 Christmas shopping season. Card volume among retail merchants will make of $78.7 billion of the total volume.

CardTrak's projections may be too optimistic.

VISA reports that charge volume for the first two shopping days after Thanksgiving increased 12% compared to the same period last year. For the past five years VISA charge volume typically rose about 20% annually for the Thanksgiving weekend. TeleCheck reports same-store sales involving checks rose a mere 1.0% this year compared to a 4.3% gain last year for the first three shopping days after Thanksgiving.

While the Thanksgiving weekend is a good barometer of overall holiday retail sales it is not the most active shopping period. Historically December 23 is the biggest shopping day of the year. Perhaps consumers are procrastinating this year or maybe they have grown cautious. By CardTrak's new issue we will know.

Credit cards cobranded with electric/gas utility firms are coming. This month Delaware-based Delmarva Power & Light Company and the nation's second largest VISA/MasterCard issuer, MBNA America, are rolling out the 'Conectiv MasterCard'. The new card offers cardholders the ability to earn certificates, based on card purchases. Under federal and state regulations the certificates may not be used for direct payment of utility bills but rather the "value" may be applied to utility bills. The certificates are also good towards direct payment for non-regulated products and services. Delmarva is in the process of merging with NJ-based Atlantic Energy and will rename itself Conectiv after the merger. For more information call 1-888-892-4443 (priority code GM2S).

First USA and Consolidated Cigar Corp. are rolling out three new platinum cards this month targeted at the cigar aficionado. The 'Montecristo', 'H. Upmann' and 'Cigar Lover's' Platinum VISA cards feature no annual fee, 5.9% intro rate and a 13.99% long-term fixed rate. New cardholders will receive a free pack of premium handmade cigars from the Montecristo, U. Upmann and Don Diego brand shortly after their initial use of the card. Other incentives include discounts on premium cigar accessories from companies such as Budd Leather, Prometheus and Bollman Hat. For more information call 1- 800-451-2491.

Shopping mall cobranded cards are spreading following the recent introduction of PNC's 'Mall V.I.P. Visa'. Johnstown, Pa.- based Crown American launched the 'Crown Rewards MasterCard' last month via MBNA America. The new card will be offered through 25 shopping malls operated by Crown American in PA, MD, WV, VA and NJ. The card offers monthly rebates (1% of purchases) in the form of $10 coupons redeemable for mall gift certificates. Consumers applying through the end of this year will receive free stroller rental and gift wrapping for one year. Details on the program are available at mall customer service centers.

The nation's largest co-branded airline bank credit card has gone platinum. Citibank and American Airlines rolled out the new 'Citibank Platinum Select AAdvantage' this month. The upgraded program offers unlimited air mileage earned on purchases, double air mileage on American Airlines ticket purchases, $500,000 travel accident insurance and a dedicated customer service number. Citibank is charging $125 for the platinum version and will continue to assess interest at its core pricing structure of prime +9.4%. For more information call 1-800-FLY-4444.

American Express cardholders will automatically be entered into a holiday sweepstakes offering nine grand prizes and 4,000 first prizes. 'The American Express Blue Box Sweepstakes' runs through Dec 31 and offers AmEx cardholders the chance to win several one-of-a-kind experiences including golf lessons from Tiger Woods' father, a power lunch with CNBC anchors, a trip to a couture fashion show and tickets to all NBA finals. AmEx will also award other grand prizes including five million 'Membership Rewards' points and $50,000 in credit on an AmEx 'Platinum Card'. For more information call 1-800-THE-CARD.

About 25% of all debtors filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy could repay 30% or more of their non-housing debts according to a study released this month by the Credit Research Center of Georgetown University. The study also noted that 5% of Chapter 7 filers could repay all of what they owe. Among Chapter 13 filers the report found 75% have significant ability to repay. More than 3.8 million petitions in 13 district courts and 11 states were analyzed for the study.

The credit card industry is seeking reform to current bankruptcy laws to prohibit consumers, with the ability to repay some of debts, from filing Chapter 7 petitions. The bank credit card industry will lose $24 billion this year with nearly $10 billion of those losses tied up in consumer bankruptcy filings.

A least two major car rental firms are reconsidering dropping out of frequent flyer mileage award programs in the wake of the recently adopted 7.5% tax now levied on air miles purchased from airlines. Reed Travel Group's 'Travel Weekly' reports that Hertz and Avis were already re-evaluating their participation in the programs before passage of the new tax. Hertz says it no longer makes sense to spend more than $100 million per year for bonus miles when the firm already provides substantial discounts to corporate customers. Avis also questioned the effectiveness of such programs due to the saturation of bonus miles programs awarded from all types of firms. 'Travel Weekly' suggests hotel chains, long- distance phone companies and credit card issuers are likewise reconsidering such programs.

The AT&T Universal VISA and MasterCard will be sold to another issuer by CardTrak's next issue. MBNA is widely rumored to be the front runner among a pool of a half dozen bidders. Cardholders may see little change at first since it is most likely the card will continue to carry the AT&T brand. However current pricing terms will undoubtedly change over time. It is also likely the no-annual- fee-for-life feature will be put to bed. Whatever happens it is advisable for all AT&T cardholders to pay extra attention to card statements and advisories.

NationsBank has joined the CardWeb program and is offering various card products via banner ads throughout CardTrak's web site. Other CardWeb participants include First USA, Household Bank, People's Bank, Wachovia, Great Western, and Commerce Bank. First USA and Wachovia have entered their third year with CardWeb. Great Western, Commerce and Household are entering their second year. Another top 10 card issuer and a major private label card issuer have signed contracts for CardWeb participation. CardWeb is limited to twelve total participants with two available slots. Due to the solid advertiser support CardTrak's online services, via the Internet, will continue to be available to all consumers free-of-charge throughout the foreseeable future.

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