You’d be surprised to find out how quickly and easily you can get your credit card interest rates and mortgage rates lowered simply by making one or two phone calls! And it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to the hassle of changing your provider.
Here’s how: Look on the internet (try Bankrate.com) or in the newspaper for a provider who can offer you a lower rate (so you know that what you’re asking for is possible) then call your own provider and ask if they will match the lower rate.
If they say “yes”, then great you’re all set. If they say “no”, and you’re not prepared to leave, you can ask them what they are prepared to do to keep you as a customer. If they say “nothing”, you still don’t have to leave. You can simply say “well, I really need to think about whether I want to stay with your company or not” and hang up. Then think about it.
Changing financial providers can be a hassle, but for a much lower rate it may be worth it. Just check that the rate isn’t just an introductory offer and that the terms and conditions are similar to your current ones.
