| If you have struggled with paying your credit | | | | minimum payment on your credit card bills, |
| card debt, you will probably most benefit | | | | you will most likely be unsuccessful in |
| from getting lower card interest. There are | | | | directly asking for lower interest rates. |
| several steps you can take in order to | | | | The same goes for those who have had late or |
| accomplish this. | | | | missed payments. Yet credit card companies |
| | | | want to make sure that they get their money |
| If you have good history with your credit | | | | back, so they have arranged a program for you |
| card companies, you may be able to apply to | | | | to get your interest rates lowered. This |
| them directly to lower your interest rate. | | | | program is called a debt management plan and |
| You will probably have to demonstrate to them | | | | is a great way to see most interest rates |
| that you are doing well off financially. You | | | | lowered and many fees reduced or eliminated. |
| can show this by making significantly larger | | | | By talking to a credit counselor, you will |
| payments than your minimum balance for | | | | gain financial know-how that will help you |
| several months. After you have done this, | | | | with this program. By signing up for a debt |
| then you can ask in writing for a specific | | | | management program, you are letting your |
| lower interest rate, several percentage | | | | creditors know that you are serious about |
| points lower than what you have now. If you | | | | getting out of debt. |
| have received balance transfer offers you | | | | |
| should let the company know that you will | | | | If you are interested in finding out more |
| transfer your balances if they do not meet | | | | about a debt management plan or simply want |
| your request, but only do this if you are | | | | to find out more about what other options may |
| willing to follow through with it. The | | | | be available for you to get lower card |
| credit card company may or may not honor this | | | | interest, talk to a reputable credit |
| request. | | | | counselor. The counselor can review your |
| | | | situation with you and help you learn what |
| If you are unable to pay more than the | | | | you need to know to get out of debt. |