CT SB00196

Prohibits retailers from placing credit blocks on consumer purchases without the consumer's knowledge and consent, effective January 1, 2014.

Prevents credit blocks from exceeding the actual purchase amount for goods or services being bought.

Defines "credit block" as an arrangement where a card issuer reserves a specified dollar amount of a customer's purchasing capacity at a retailer's request before purchase completion.

Applies to both credit cards and debit cards, with capacity defined as available credit for credit cards and account balance or overdraft capacity for debit cards.