Simply asking your credit card company may allow you to lower your credit card interest rates. While card companies are not required to lower your interest rate, they may be willing to do so if you have a long history of making on-time payments or if your creditworthiness has improved since you opened your account.
Even if you are not approved for a permanent reduction right now, you should keep an eye out for promotional offers from your credit card company. These can temporarily reduce your interest rate, allowing you to pay off the balance and avoid paying interest.
It’s best to avoid paying interest on your credit card, regardless of its interest rate. While it can be difficult to avoid going into debt if you need to use a credit card for an emergency, there are some ways to avoid paying interest on everyday purchases.
The only way to completely get rid of credit card interest is to pay off your balance each month. As you pay off debt, there are ways to significantly cut your interest costs as well.
Try These Steps If You Want To Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate
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Repay Your Credit Cards in the Order of Highest Interest Rates
Some personal finance experts advise how to use credit cards starting with the smallest balance and paying off your credit card debt if you have it spread across several cards. You are supposed to gain momentum and motivation from the quick wins. The most money can be saved by paying off your cards in the order of their interest rates, beginning with the card with the highest rate and working your way down.
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Utilize a 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card to Consolidate Your Debt
Applying for a balance transfer card may be a smart move if you owe more than you can pay off in the coming months. By moving your debt from one credit card to another, typically one with a 0% interest rate for 12 to 18 months, you can transfer your debt.
The average card will charge you 3% of your balance to transfer your debt, but some cards don’t charge this fee or waive it temporarily. Usually, you need to have good or excellent credit to get approved. Additionally, you cannot transfer debt between cards issued by the same company, such as from one Chase card to another Chase card.
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Acquire a Low-Interest Credit Card to Use for Future Purchases
Ideally, you would stick to your budget and make monthly credit card payments. However, that is only sometimes feasible. Consider applying for a low-interest credit card and how to use credit cards if you frequently carry a balance so you can use it for future purchases.
Your situation will determine which low-interest credit card is best for you. Look for a card with a 0% introductory rate if you only intend to carry a balance temporarily, and pay off the balance in full before the introductory rate expires. Get a card with a low ongoing rate if you anticipate carrying balances for longer than 12 to 18 months.
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Check Your Credit
Your ability to obtain new credit cards, your ability to qualify for them, and the interest rates and credit limits you are offered can all be influenced by your credit score. You receive free credit monitoring from Experian, alerts for unusual changes, and information about factors that affect your credit scores. A good way to know when you might be able to negotiate better terms with your creditors or if you might be eligible for a new balance transfer credit card or debt consolidation loan that could help you save money is to keep an eye on your credit report.
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Like a Debit Card, Treat Your Credit Card as Such.
Only make purchases with credit cards that you can afford to pay off in full. Then, put that money aside in your mind for the subsequent credit card bill or even use it to immediately settle the purchase.
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Pay the Entire Balance Each Month.
You won’t be charged interest on your purchases if you pay the entire statement balance on your credit card bill each month.
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Use Your Card Only for Legitimate Purchases.
Credit card Interest rates on cash advances may start to accrue right away, and occasionally at a higher interest rate than on purchases. There could also be a fee for the cash advance. Beware of additional transactions that resemble cash, such as money transfers, as they might be construed as cash advances.
Summing Up
If you keep good credit and a clean payment history, you can often get a lower interest rate. Even if you don’t, don’t give up. Continue to make on-time payments, reduce outstanding debt, and make a plan to try again in three to six months.
Knowing how to use a credit card by Improving your credit health will help you make your case the next time. If you give the company a profitable reason to assist you, it will often do so. It’s simply a matter of putting yourself in the best possible position when you make your request.
