KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The U.S. House passed a credit cardholders' bill of rights this week. But help is still far off for consumers.

KMBC's Jim Flink reported that for years, credit card issuers have all the cards -- setting lending rates and conditions. Consumers have had little say. But the credit cardholders' bill of rights could change that.

"It is so scary right now, in the state that our economy is in," said Jana Castanon of Consumer Credit Counseling.

Castanon said she sees the fear up close. Her Consumer Credit Counseling agency deals with those deeply in credit card debt.

"We have got to get out of the mentality that 'I want what I want, when I want it,'" Castanon said.

To help dig out, Congress is now considering the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights. Flink reported that it would stop the practice of universal-cross default, where trouble on one line of credit means interest rates on all credit lines goes up. It would stop issuers from increasing rates anytime for any reason. It would also stop retroactive rate increases and double-cycle billing, where consumers pay interest for 60 days and not 30. And it would cap over-the-limit fees. Some issuers have compounded penalties for that.

"What we need to focus on is savings, and not on having what our neighbors have," Castanon said.

The bill has passed through the House and is now in the Senate. But while a cardholder plan may be in the works, Castanon said don't wait to bail yourself out.

"Life happens. Things happen. But you need to make some changes to create your own change now," Castanon said.

Flink reported that the bill is a long way from becoming law. It has to pass the Senate and a president who said he does not support the measure. But with the credit crisis front and center, consumers have a chance to show they can be heard.

Consumer Credit Counseling:

Consumer Credit Counseling Web site or call 800-355-2227

Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights

House Resolution 5244