If you've ever complained about an unexpected interest-rate hike on your credit card, now's your chance to have your gripe heard by people who can actually do something about it.

The Federal Reserve is accepting comments through Aug. 4 on credit reform rules it proposed in May. The deadline for comments on related proposals, mainly to do with credit card disclosures is July 18.

Among the changes proposed, prohibiting credit card companies in some instances from "interest shifting" or hitting you with a higher interest rate on debt you've already incurred.

Prohibit "two cycle billing," which can result in your paying interest on debt paid off during the previous month's grace period.

Several members of Congress have proposed other changes. One bill, HR 5244, would end "universal default" when a credit card company raises a consumer's interest rate based on late payments or other, unrelated creditors.

That's only one of several bills proposed to give consumers a break.

If you want to be heard, make your comments online by going to www.federalreserve.gov.

Click on consumer information and then, at the top of the page, click on proposed rules for credit cards and overdraft services. You'll see how to comment at the bottom of the page.

You can watch Money Matters every Wednesday on "Good Morning Kansas."