1.   Check the rates that credit-card issuers use in converting purchases abroad into dollars.

2.   Credit-card issuers use scores to lay off of overdue borrowers who are likely to get back on track without being prompted.

3.   Credit card issuers used to punish people who paid their bills late and reward those who paid on time.

4.   Issuers can use forward agreements to refinance outstanding debt at current interest rates.

5.   Most issuers also use Web sites to offer information and card applications to students.

6.   Securitization allows an issuer to use a loan or lease portfolio as security for an asset-backed bond issue.

7.   Securitization allows a bond issuer to use all or part of a loan portfolio or other source of income, as security for an asset-backed bond.