Although the devestation and bursting of the home loan industry accounts for a huge portion of the economic madness across America, credit cards are just as responsible. Credit card debt has been rising for decades and is only getting out of control during a time of such dire straits. For the first time, debtors have been forced to charge away, primarily due to the collapsing of the marketplace. Scores of Americans are surviving because of their credit cards. Unfortunately, that will only go on for so long before it puts your back against the wall. Many consumers find themselves stealing from Peter to pay Paul by paying one credit card bill with the next. Credit card debt relief is a very slow procedure, no matter which system you take.