Have you ever really looked at your credit card statement? Do you see the extra fees and charges that come on your card each month? Did you know that by calling your credit card company you can get many of these fees reduced or even eliminated?
If you have a good credit history with your card company, they will most likely be willing to work with you so that you can get out of debt even faster. All it takes is a phone call to discuss your bill. Call the credit card company and ask them for help, if the first person you speak to will not help you, ask to speak with their supervisor. Be calm, be polite, but be firm. Here are just a few ideas of things you can ask for:
- Ask for a lower interest rate: They have the ability to lower it, and should do so with the first person you speak to.
- Raise your credit limit: Why would you ever do that? Because the more credit you have that you haven’t actually used, the better your credit score which will lead to lower interest rates on other things as well (mortgages, car loans, etc) Just be sure to tell them to do it without checking your credit – you don’t want the hit.
- No more annual fees: With all the cards out there, if you are still paying an annual fee you are making a big mistake. Tell them you don’t want to pay it, if they won’t; let them know you are switching to another card.
- Late fees: If you are usually a good card member and happen to be late with one payment, they will usually waive it the first time.
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