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How To Get A Better Rate From Your Current Credit Card Company
By: Alan Bernstein
You have just realized that your credit card company is charging you a hefty 20%
interest on your charges! That is way off as compared to the 11% to 15% rates
that you see online. When it comes to credit cards, a 5% difference in interest
rates can mean a lot especially if you have balances rolled over to the
following months. Is there any way you can obtain a better rate without
switching credit cards?
The answer is yes. The first thing you should do is to run a check on your
credit report. As you are entitled to one free credit report each year, this is
a good opportunity for you to dig out any discrepancies that the credit bureau
may have on your credit history. In the event that there are errors in your
report, you should get them sorted out as soon as you can.
If your credit report looks great, this means that you are of a low credit risk
to your credit card company. This is essential as your risk level should
correspond with the interest rate applicable to your credit card charges. Thus,
a lower risk means a lower interest rate. Armed with the details of your credit
report, call your credit card company and ask them to reduce your interest
rates. Give them valid reasons supporting your claim, coupled with information
on attractive rates from their competitors.
Your credit card company should be open to listen to you and your reasons. The
least they should do is to tell you that they will get their management team to
evaluate your case. Perhaps your credit history was not as favorable as it is
now at the point when you applied for your credit card. That could very well be
the reason for the high interest rates.
If your credit card company still refuses to budge after negotiations, perhaps
its time that you consider a switch to your credit card. There are many credit
cards in the market that offer balance transfers at low or no cost. What’s more,
they are willing to lower their interest rates or even go on a 0% APR for an
introductory period. As their goal is to make you their customer, they are
willing to go the extra mile to switch you to their side. Perhaps this is
something that your current credit card company is unwilling to do.
About the Author:
Alan Bernstein recommends Find Credit Cards to apply for a Chase credit card
today. See http://www.findcreditcards.org/issuer/chase.php for more information. |