Have you ever wanted to open a credit card? Has your bank denied your requests to obtain a credit card? Getting a credit card has always been an easy task for most American consumers. With the overwhelming number of credit offers filling mailboxes every day, it would seem that any consumer could still get a credit card with ease.

The growing trend among credit lenders, however, is to stop being so generous to consumers seeking credit. Here are six ways major banks are cutting opportunities to get credit when consumers want it.

1. They aren't sending new offers. As banks become more discerning about whom they offer credit to, they will be sending less of those junk mail offers to consumers. A higher unemployment rate and housing downturn are discouraging banks from taking risks on new customers, who may not be able to pay their debt to the bank. Even existing customers will find less promotional credit offers from banks peering out from the mailbox.

2. They are requiring higher credit scores. Many banks are now asking that new applicants have a minimum credit score before applying for credit. Past debt and credit history is an important factor in determining a consumer's eligibility for credit. Credit scores that have passed the test in the past may no longer be good enough for most credit cards. It is now more important than ever for consumers to know their credit score before applying for credit with banks, and to take measures to keep that number in good standing. Consumers with higher credit scores stand a better chance of obtaining credit from their banks.

3. They care where you live. If you happen to be a resident of a state hit hardest by the housing downturn, you may be ineligible for some credit offers. California, Arizona, and Florida are among those states seeing a decrease in credit opportunities. Residents of these states may find that their credit terms are less favorable than those in other states. Consumers living in a state that was not hit hard by the housing downturn will see more credit opportunities from banks, and more favorable credit terms.

4. They are lowering initial credit lines. The days of consumers obtaining a several thousand dollar initial credit limit from banks may soon be over. Banks are starting out with lower initial credit card offerings. Pre-approved credit offers are looking less attractive, and even those credit offers with high credit limits aren't being offered to every consumer.

5. They are denying requests for increases. Even long-term customers of some banks are finding that requests for credit increases from banks are more difficult than they used to be. A simple phone call for a limit raise may more likely be met with denial of the credit raise. More time is required between credit raise requests, and the amount of the credit raise may be much smaller than past credit raises.

6. They are charging existing customers more. Long-time customers of large banks are reporting a marked increase in common fees. Over-limit fees, late fees, and balance-transfer fees are increasing by several dollars. It is also not uncommon to find credit cards starting to charge an annual fee where there was no annual fee for credit cards before.

As the economy continues to head into uncharted waters, spreading uncertainty and doubt among consumers and credit lenders, credit cards will change how they do business. Less money risk is the goal for many, and the new way of offering credit can be discouraging for some consumers. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your credit score, credit reports, and the terms of your credit contract with your bank. Any new credit terms should be disclosed to you, the consumer, in writing by your bank. Ask questions of any credit terms you do not understand, and practice responsible credit use to ensure the best that credit cards have to offer.