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Cashspeak! How to Get a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card - CASHSPEAK
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10/17/07

How to Get a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card

A lower interest rate is a great asset to have. The most noticeable benefit is that you can save a lot of money on interest charges. However, you can also use that credit account as a bargaining chip with other credit companies. You can use the time tested “can you beat this offer” routine. Thus, the question is, how do you get a low interest card?

First and foremost, if your credit score and credit report qualify, you can apply for a low interest card. This is the easiest and most obvious way to obtain a low interest credit card. However, this method is only the easiest and most obvious if you have the credit score and credit report to allow you to get such a card. If you do not have the best credit score or report, there are some tactics you could use to lower an interest rate.

If you already have a credit card and your record with that card is flawless, you can call the credit company and request a lower interest rate. You have to be firm and you have to make a credible request. As a general rule, credit card companies want to collect at least between 8-10% interest on credit balances. Of course credit companies love when you pay more, thus, they never tell you that you can get a lower interest rate than the one originally given.

Anyway, back to the credible request. If your interest rate is 18%, asking for a 6% interest rate is just a waste of time. Even if your credit was flawless, no credit card company would drop your interest rate 12 points at one time. It is more realistic that your rate would end up somewhere between 13-15% based upon your relationship and history with the credit company and on your credit score and credit report.

The bottom line is, your options are limited unless you have a good credit score and credit report. Therefore, if your score and report are less than par, you are going to have to deal with your current credit account companies in order to get a lower interest rate. The worst thing that can happen is that your credit card company will not lower your interest rate. The best thing that can happen is that the company will lower your interest rate, therefore, why not give it a try? Just remember to keep it credible, but stay firm with your request and bring up your great history with the company from which you are trying to get a lower rate if the company seems reluctant.


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