It's easy to turn non-specific frustration towards the faceless "big evil corporations". They control the government. They control your paycheck. They skim off a little of your money -- never enough to be worth the trouble to actually sue them.

You can get back at them, but you must borrow their tactics. Instead of directionless aggression, you need the discipline and maturity of a boardroom full of accountants, lawyers, and MBAs -- the same people who run credit card companies.

1. Have a perfect credit history. If you don't, start disputing until it's as clean as possible.

2. Never, ever tolerate a credit card with any sort of fee. Call them and threaten to go with a competitor.

3. Pay your balance off every month. It's that simple.

The key to this is the time value of money. If you pay the balance each month without accumulating interest, you have gained more time value from the money than the credit card company. Add in the cost of mailing statements, staffing support desks, etc. and you can become a net drain on the credit card company. Obviously, the profit from advertisements included in your statement offsets this, but that profit is not coming out of your pocket.

On a personal note: I have no patience for people who think they're somehow entitled to debt forgiveness on their credit cards. I understand many people run into unforeseen circumstances like job loss, medical bills, etc., but let's be honest. Most people run up those balances because they want and they want now.

The bottom line is this: It's not your money. I know... it's not exactly like stealing from little old ladies, but it's still not your money. That $20,000 limit is not $20,000 for you to spend. It's $20,000 they're willing to lend you. They don't use the word give. They use the word lend. That's an important distinction. It means they expect the money back.

You can beat them easily. You just have to know the rules. Credit card companies win because most people don't know or care about the rules. Be smarter than most people.