Financial transaction account usage parameter access and control method

A methodology for access, control and management of credit product usage parameters by an account holder. The methodology includes the steps of creating a credit/debit account and issuing a credit/debit card product for same. A group or family of accounts can optionally be created including a key account and one or more dependent accounts. An initially set of product usage parameters is established. The account holder access the product usage parameters through one of a number of alternative points of access. The account holder then modifies one or more of the product usage parameters and submits the same, optionally in real time. The submitted parameters are tested against allowable usage criteria implemented by the card processing and service provider or the card issuer, which can be based on applicable laws, rules and regulations. If the submitted usage parameter modifications are acceptable, same are implemented and control the product usage until further modified. In a group or family context the usage parameters can be specifically established for a key account and optionally, one or more dependent accounts. Optionally the dependent accounts in such a group can be provided with access, control and management over certain usage parameters.