Want a snapshot of the economy? Look at credit card charge off numbers. This month, Kaulkin Media Consumer Finance Analyst Dimitri Michaud notes that the three largest issuers – together they account for more than 50 percent of U.S. credit card receivables – all reported higher charge offs in the first quarter.

We also are running an item covering common sense ‘Best Practices’ for creditors and collectors in operating their account receivables department. The item is from The Accounts Receivable Network (TARN).

Please scroll down to our list of top recent stories. There are write ups of quarterly card numbers from large issuers; the U.S. Chamber defends the National Arbitration Forum; AmEx buys a GE portfolio and Discover buys parts of Diners; and more. Cheers.