How many times should you ask for a lower APR on your credit card?

When asking for a lower APR on your credit card, persistence is key. Your request may not be granted after the first call. There’s no guarantee, but it certainly never hurts to call back later, and to ask to speak with a supervisor. However, you will need a legitimate reason in order to be successful. Before calling your card’s customer service number to make your request, there are certain steps you can take to maximize your chances of approval.

First of all, make sure that your payment history with your credit card company has been consistent for at least six months. This way, you can point to your history of being a good customer when speaking to the representative. Make sure you check your credit, as well – you can do that for free by signing up for a WalletHub account.

If you find that it is less than optimal and did not improve much since you opened your account, try to enhance your credit score before asking for a lower APR. An increase in your credit score will signal to your lender that you are more likely to repay what you owe, so they may be more willing to meet your requests.

Lastly, do your homework. Know your current credit card terms, and research and compare credit card terms and rates from numerous companies. This will give you more bargaining power when you make the call. If you do not succeed in lowering your APR, you could consider applying for a balance transfer card. A credit card with a 0 percent introductory APR offer for balance transfers is a great alternative to saving money on your debt repayment.

Hope this helps!