U.S. consumers are once again increasing their collective credit card debt, which now exceeds $1 trillion.

The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act protections, which went into effect in February 2009, require card issuers to disclose rates and other information more clearly. This should make it easier for consumers to monitor what they owe. But, regulations can't prevent people from making poor debt management habits.

Here's some advice for controlling credit card use: