Lot of money, and that left me with very little access to emergency fundage if needed. >> reporter: but consumer experts say the card act does level the playing field. >> there are unequivocal wins for consumer in the new credit card legislation. >> reporter: it's estimated consumers will save at least $10 billion a year because of the new law. but for kathleen, this is one relationship that's already soured. >> i'm just paying them down and i won't use those companies again. >> bottom line, you really have to open your mail from your credit card company. that's the only way you will find out ...