The Credit Card Act signed in May, which boosts the rights of card holders, offers more help to consumers with heavy card debt but likely won't benefit those who carry cards offering perks or cash.

"It is good for most consumers," says David Schiller, a tax attorney with Schiller Law Associates in Norristown, Pennsylvania. "However, just like airlines now charging for pillows and to use the toilets, the credit-card companies will find other ways to make back the losses from the legislation."

The bad news, for physicians and other upper-income card holders, is that companies will likely reduce the benefits offered by premium cards, such as airline miles, cash back, and gifts, Schiller says.