Washington  - The US Senate on Tuesday passed reforms to credit-card banking rules by a vote of 90-5.

The legislation stops arbitrary hikes in interest rates on card charges and balances. Fees on credit accounts are also regulated.

The US House passed its own version last month, but the lower chamber could vote again on the Senate measure, which could be sent directly to US President Barack Obama for signing into law, without difficult compromise talks within the Congress. (dpa)