Rising costs ... Australians owe $51.46 billion on plastic and more than $33.1 billion is accruing interest. Picture: Supplied

A proposal raised by finance commentator David Koch is expected to be included in the recommendations of the Senate inquiry into plastic.

Currently credit card issuers can send invitations to increase card limits — both for new and existing cards — if customers have opted in to receive “marketing materials”.

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The nation’s plastic woes have hit the highest-ever levels since the Reserve Bank began collecting figures in the 1980s — Australia now owes $51.46 billion on plastic and $33.1 billion is accruing interest.

Koch said a stop needed to be put to the “predatory tactics” of the financial institutions and instead it should be up to the customers to “take ownership” of their decisions.

Give them the flick ... David Koch said control needed to be put back in the hands of customers when it comes handling their credit cards. Picture: SuppliedSource:News Limited

“There should be no unsolicited credit cards or credit card limit increases ... by stopping this a customer makes a decision,’’ he said.

“They are at least thinking about how they pay it off or the purpose of the card and that will be an enormous step forward.”

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Figures from financial comparison website Canstar shows the average interest rates on cards with no maximum limits is about 18 per cent.

Credit card inquiry chairman, Labor’s Sam Dastyari, told News Corp Australia a ban on unsolicited invitations for limit increases was a “no-brainer”.

No brainer ... Senator Sam Dastyari said there should be a ban on customer invitations to increase credit limits. Picture: SuppliedSource:News Corp Australia

“You should only be getting an increase when you request one. This culture of banks constantly flogging products that aren’t requested should end,” Senator Dastyari said.

“I can’t see how allowing them is in the interest of consumers. The anecdotal evidence I have been given is that these increases always turn up around the holiday season and other financial pinch points.”

Banks are expected to appear before the inquiry later this month.

The Big Debt Switch — a month-long campaign to slash credit card bills — has already attracted more than 31,000 customers — overtaking the original target of 25,000 customers.

The target is now 50,000.

News Corp has joined with consumer group One Big Switch to fight the growing problem of debt.

Join the Big Debt Switch to help unlock a number of deals that could lower the cost of debt for many households.

There is no obligation to take up the offer. News Corp and One Big Switch will earn a commission from any accepted deals.