Five Steps to Find the Best Low Interest Credit Cards
Lower your credit card interest by asking your bank
- First pay a visit to your bank where you have existing credit card accounts. Request that they move your credit card account to the one they have which has the lowest credit card interest rate. Remind them to consider your excellent payment track record and your customer loyalty.
- Next take a look around at other banks or institutions that offer lower interest rates if your existing bank does not meet your request for a lower rate. Keep your eyes open for promotions in the mail, on the web or at local banks. You may even want to call brand name merchants like American Express, Visa or MasterCard and ask they give you their list of preferred issuers in your area.
- Then call the companies that appeal to you and have them send an application. Ask whether you can send the completed application by telephone, fax or on the Internet.
- After you submit the completed application you should have their answer within 10 business days. If not call them.
- Should they turn down your application, they are required to give you a written explanation. You should also receive instructions to obtain a free copy of your credit report. It is your right. The denial letter should give instructions on how to get your free credit report. If it not, contact them directly and ask for their help
Some people keep moving their credit balance to different credit cards which offer low interest rates to new customers. This is called rolling over credit card balances. This does save money and should be used only temporarily until you are able to pay off your credit card account balance. Note that this is very time-consuming. You should also keep accurate records.
The Fine Print:
Remember to read the fine print that explains the details surrounding "lower" interest rates. Quite often they are only available for a short time and may only be introductory rates. That means after the promotional period is over the interest rates jump up.
Credit history.
Make sure you keep a good credit history. All credit card companies offer their lowest interest rates to customers with the best credit history.