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