Ask and Ye Shall Receive?

Have you ever considered talking to your credit card company? Have you ever looked at your credit card bill and wondered how it was possible to pay so much in interest and fees? Did you know there is a way out?

If you have been a customer of most credit card companies for a while, and if you have had a history of paying on time, most companies will work to keep you at almost any cost. All it takes is a phone call on your part, which most people don’t realize will save them interest as well as fees. It is smart business for credit card companies to keep the good customers they have as opposed to taking a risk on someone they don’t already have.

When calling, here is a sample script:

Customer: Could you tell me my current interest rate?

Credit Card Company: Your rate is x%.

Customer: Thank you, now what can you lower my rate to?

Credit Card Company: We can lower it to x%.

Customer: Thank you so much. I would prefer a lower rate but I will accept that for now. Can I speak to a supervisor to tell them how helpful you have been?

Credit Card Company: (Supervisor) How can I help you?

Customer: (Insert Name Here) was very helpful and lowered my interest rate, but I am wondering what you do can lower my rate too?

You get the picture – stop after this one if they lower your rate again. If for some reason they tell you the first time around that they can’t help you, then ask to speak with a supervisor directly. Be pleasant but be firm and you will find that they really will work with you.   ■