How to Get Lower Interest Rates on Credit Cards | Chase (2024)

Carrying a large balance on a credit card with a high-interest rate can really drag you down, to the point where it may be hard to even meet the minimum payments due each month. But don't despair: There are a number of paths you can take to help lower your Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

How can I lower my credit card APR?

Here are some tips on how you can lower your credit card APR:

1. Improve your credit score

An improvement in your credit score is critical if you want to start reducing the APR you're being offered by lenders on credit card applications. The few ways of improving your credit score are:

  • Paying your bills on time
  • Keeping your balances low
  • Paying off any debt in a timely manner
  • Diversifying your credit mix if possible
  • Keeping overall credit utilization low
  • Tools like Chase Credit Journey can help you understand your credit score and help you improve it.

2. Consider a balance transfer

Before your balances build up, consider looking for a credit card with a low promotional rate on balance transfers. Yes, opening a new card might impact your credit score, and there may be a balance transfer fee involved, but in the long run, your score and your own financial well-being may benefit from nipping that interest rate in the bud.

  • Steps to performing a balance transfer: Apply for a balance transfer credit card with low-interest promotional period.Then, don't use the card for purchases. Instead you should work out how much you have to pay each month so you completely pay off your transferred balance before the lower interest rate period ends. If you don't pay off your entire balance before the promotional period ends, your remaining balance will likely have a higher APR when your promotional period ends.

3. Pay off your balance

If you are in a position where you can pay off your entire balance, then that's a no brainer. It will not only get you out of a cycle of accruing interest charges every month, but may also put you in good standing for negotiating a lower APR if you qualify.

  • Tips for paying off balance: Limit your purchases on the card and set up an automatic payment that's large enough to make a good dent in your balance every month.

4. Learn your credit issuer's policy

Chase reviews qualified accounts every 6 months and automatically lowers the APR if eligible. Chase will send a letter to notify you of any changes. Requests for a lower APR are not supported outside of this review process.

Depending on your credit card issuer, if you ask for a lower interest rate, a customer service specialist might be able to submit a request on your behalf. Keep in mind that not every credit card issuer or bank accepts these requests and there is no guarantee that this request will be accepted. There are regulations that your bank or credit card company has to follow before they can increase/reduce your APR.

How to Get Lower Interest Rates on Credit Cards | Chase (2024)

FAQs

How to Get Lower Interest Rates on Credit Cards | Chase? ›

Start by highlighting your history with the company and mention your good credit and history of on-time payments. Next, mention any lower credit card rates you've been offered or found in your research. For example, you can tell your card issuer about a better competitor rate to see if the company will match it.

What can I say to lower my credit card interest rate? ›

Start by highlighting your history with the company and mention your good credit and history of on-time payments. Next, mention any lower credit card rates you've been offered or found in your research. For example, you can tell your card issuer about a better competitor rate to see if the company will match it.

How do I get the lowest interest rate on my credit card? ›

If you're not happy with your credit card's interest rate, try to negotiate with your card issuer. Do your research on your account's history and terms, as well as competing card offers, so that you can make an informed argument. Improving your credit score tends to be an effective way to wrangle a lower interest rate.

How do I reduce the interest on my credit card? ›

Fortunately, there are ways to lower your credit card interest rates, including negotiating with the credit card company or consolidating your debt. Consolidation can take on several forms, ranging from a debt management program, to a personal loan to putting everything on one card with a lower interest rate.

How do I negotiate a lower interest rate on my Chase credit card? ›

How do I request a lower APR? To request a lower APR, call us using the number on the back of your card. We often do reviews of credit card accounts to see if we can apply better rates. Please contact us in a few months if you're not approved for a lower rate at this time.

How to request a reduction in interest rate? ›

The direct step to a lower interest on credit cards is to call the card company and ask for a lower rate. However, no call should be placed to a card company without ready information about the account, your credit history and even competing offers from other card companies. When calling, don't be nervous.

Why is my APR so high with good credit? ›

Factors that increase your APR may include federal rate increases or a drop in your credit score. By identifying changes to your APR and understanding the actions that led to your increased rate, you can take steps that may help reduce your interest charges in the future.

Can you negotiate down credit card interest rate? ›

Credit card interest rates can make it harder to pay off your debt, but you may be able to negotiate a better rate or a limited-time offer by simply calling your credit card issuer. While it can some time and effort and your request may be denied, it doesn't hurt to ask.

How to write a letter to a credit card company for a lower interest rate? ›

As a loyal customer of your financial institution, I'd like to ask for the following: ▪ A lower interest rate amount of NO MORE THAN 6% ▪ Accept lower payments of $ _________ per month. No late fees accessed during this period. Accept this offer for no more than 12 months from this month.

Why is my credit card interest rate so high? ›

Card rates are high because they carry more risk to issuers than secured loans. With average credit card interest rates above 20.7 percent, the best thing consumers can do is strategically manage their debt. Do your research to make certain you're receiving a rate that's on the lower end of a card's APR range.

How do I get rid of high-interest on my credit card? ›

How to Pay Off High-Interest Credit Cards
  1. Try Paying With Cash or Debit. ...
  2. Consider a Credit Card Balance Transfer. ...
  3. Pay More Than the Minimum Amount Due. ...
  4. Lower Your Expenses. ...
  5. Increase Your Income. ...
  6. Pause or Cancel Subscriptions. ...
  7. Ask for Lower Interest Rates. ...
  8. Pay Off the Card With the Highest Interest Rate First.
Jan 29, 2024

Can I ask my credit card company to stop interest? ›

You can ask your credit card company to freeze the interest on your credit card, but there is no legal obligation for it to agree. The good news, though, is there are several voluntary codes of conduct most credit card companies have signed up to, which encourage them to help you if you are in financial difficulty.

What is a good APR for a credit card? ›

Key takeaways. A good credit card APR is a rate that's at or below the national average, which currently sits above 20 percent. While there are credit cards with APRs below 10 percent, they are most often found at credit unions or small local banks.

Can I request to have my credit card interest rate lowered? ›

You can negotiate with your bank or credit card company to get a lower interest rate on your card. Although the card company may ultimately say “no,” knowing these steps could help improve your chances of getting a favorable response.

How do you negotiate down interest rate? ›

Here's how to get a lower interest rate on a mortgage.
  1. Strike while your credit score is at its highest, and your debt is at its lowest. ...
  2. Make apples-to-apples comparisons. ...
  3. Give yourself a deadline for completing your negotiations. ...
  4. Be mindful of changes to other loan terms. ...
  5. Leverage customer loyalty.

How can I pay off my credit card faster? ›

Strategies to help pay off credit card debt fast
  1. Review and revise your budget. ...
  2. Make more than the minimum payment each month. ...
  3. Target one debt at a time. ...
  4. Consolidate credit card debt. ...
  5. Contact your credit card provider.

How do I get rid of high interest on my credit card? ›

How to Pay Off High-Interest Credit Cards
  1. Try Paying With Cash or Debit. ...
  2. Consider a Credit Card Balance Transfer. ...
  3. Pay More Than the Minimum Amount Due. ...
  4. Lower Your Expenses. ...
  5. Increase Your Income. ...
  6. Pause or Cancel Subscriptions. ...
  7. Ask for Lower Interest Rates. ...
  8. Pay Off the Card With the Highest Interest Rate First.
Jan 29, 2024

How do I get the interest removed from my credit card? ›

If you'd like to avoid paying interest on your credit card, you have two options. You can pay off your balance before your grace period ends, or you can apply for a credit card that offers a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for a time.

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