If you've ever had a problem with your bank or credit card company, it may be easier to get help. You now have access to other consumers' complaints against those companies thanks to a federal consumer watchdog agency. Here's how it works. Every time you swipe your credit card, there's the potential for a problem. Whether it's a billing error or an unexpected fee, consumers and now go to this website and file a complaint. The new public database also lets you keep track of all the other protests. 17,000 complaints have been filed so far. That's no surprise to Austin credit card users who have issues of their own. Billing errors are the most common gripe about credit cards. File a complaint on the website and consumers will get 1 of 4 responses: a refund, an explanation, a correction or a change in the terms of the account. The website also lets you track the status of your complaint. This website and public database have been in the works since the banking crisis. It's designed to protect you from credit cards with hidden fees and other financial traps. To view the site, just go to Fox17.com and click on FOX LINKS.SAVING YOU MONEY: Credit Cards