How to Keep Your Credit Line Intact

American Express (AMEX Quote - Cramer on AMEX - Stock Picks) may have just boosted my credit line last week from $10,000 to $14,000, but I'm starting to think I'm an outlier. New reports find a growing number of Americans shocked to discover their credit lines are getting slashed by card issuers from Washington Mutual (WM Quote - Cramer on WM - Stock Picks) to HSBC Holdings (HBC Quote - Cramer on HBC - Stock Picks), Target (TGT Quote - Cramer on TGT - Stock Picks) and Wells Fargo (WFC Quote - Cramer on WFC - Stock Picks), despite being "responsible" card holders.

Turns out the rules are changing, and it's no longer adequate to have a clean bill of credit and a solid credit score to keep your line safe. Your ZIP code, job and marriage life are also going under the microscope. Guess if Ed McMahon can default on his Countrywide Loan (CFC Quote - Cramer on CFC - Stock Picks) and face a lawsuit from Citibank (C Quote - Cramer on C - Stock Picks), there are no sacred cows in this credit market.

Here are the top seven lesser-known ways to help preserve your credit line.

Don't Buy Your Latte With Visa (V Quote - Cramer on V - Stock Picks). Even if you plan to pay off that card in full at the end of the month, immediate needs should be paid with immediate funds (i.e., cash). If your card issuer sees you're charging your usual $4 grande soy latte, it may be a sign you're unable to pay for your everyday lifestyle and in financial hardship.

Need Counseling? Write a Check . It seems inconsequential, but apparently some banks are viewing personal activities like marriage counseling sessions and therapy visits as a prelude to money woes.

Use Cash at the Bar . Racking up $100 on your MasterCard for mojitos and tequila shots every weekend may raise a financial red flag that your health may be on the line. As a general rule, you want to avoid using plastic at the bar. Just ask a bartender. "When you put down a credit card, you feel like you're not spending any money," says 28-year-old Michael Sinensky, owner of four bars in New York, including the famous Village Pourhouse. Plus, you're forced to pay a minimum $10 to $25 at many bars when you pay with plastic, even if it's a debit card.

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