Bargaining with your bank on credit card charges can be an uncomfortable process but it is a trick that can save you a lot of cash. Banks are usually prepared to discuss a number of the terms and fees with the clients, particularly with the loyal ones.
In this guide, you will learn proven methods that can be used when negotiating lower interest rates and better conditions on your credit cards. These strategies will empower you to take control of your financial future and maximize the benefits of your credit card usage.
Understanding the basics of credit card fees
Credit card fees are of different types and each one affects the flow of your wallet in one or another way. The usual charges are the annual fees, transaction late fees, balance transfer fees, international transactions fees, and cash advances fees. These are the charges that maybe presented to students, and as such understanding them is the first step towards bargaining for them.
Annual fees
Often credit card companies will also charge a yearly fee to be able to use the particular credit card. Such fees may cost from $20 to more than $500, depending on the given card’s privileges.
Certainly, if you have a card with high annual fee, you should try to talk to the bank and ask for his reduction, at least, if you do not get any extraordinary benefits for it. If you have an account in a certain bank, you might talk to them and they might agree to reverse the fee or at least lessen it.
Late payment fees
They are charged whenever one fails to make the minimum required payment on the date that is specified for the payment to be made. Such a fee can be expensive and is generally in the region of $35.
Whenever you have been loyal customer and mistakenly failed to make your payment on the due date, these charges can be appealed for and many a times they are waived away as it is a one-off discourtesy. You should however, waste time and report to the bank immediately that you realized the mistake.
Balance transfer fees
That means, if you transfer your balance from one credit card to another normally with the intent of enjoying a lower interest charges, you will have to pay balance transfer fees. The normal charge of such fees varies and may be between 3% and 5% of transferred amount.
When negotiating speak to the bank and tell them that you want to improve on the management of your debts and ask whether they can do away with this fee or offer a lesser amount.
Building a strong case for negotiation
The information recorded in the credit reference agencies’ database can significantly contribute to your dealing with the bank. Lenders will be inclined to fulfill the requests of a customer who has a good credit rating, and has been paying his bills on time.
It is recommended that you get a copy of your credit report before you actually enter a negotiation and familiarize yourself with credit score. That information will be valuable for reinforcement of such case and prove your dependability as a customer.
Gathering relevant documentation
Ensure you have compiled all your supporting documents that suggest the actual fees that you should pay. This entail your credit report, account statement that illustrates your payment records, and any communication with the bank. Organization and effective argumentation significantly increase the likelihood that the motion will be granted.
Highlighting your loyalty and value
Banks value loyal customers. Before going for a loan, ensure that you have been banking with that particular bank for quite some time, this will work for your benefit. Say the length of relationship, the payment record is always clean, and other accounts one has with the bank.
Stress the intent and interest to persevere with this business and how the matter of cutting the fees in question would only strengthen the level of commitment. Emphasize that a mutually beneficial agreement can lead to a more fruitful long-term relationship.
Knowing what to ask for
People should be precise when expressing what they want in a negotiation. To be specific, it is very imperative to be clear in your request whether you are requesting for a waiver of the annual fee, a lower interest rate to be charged on the credit, or a lower balance transfer fee that you will be charged.
You should be ready to explain why you are making the request and the usefulness of the request to both, the individual and the bank. Additionally, be prepared to provide specific examples or data that support your case.
Being polite but persistent
It should be noted that people respect the opinions of others when the language used is polite. Start the conversation with the right attitude, which must be a polite one at that.
But do not be too timid and passive even when saying ‘no.’ Sometimes the first representative you deal with cannot assist you with your problem, so if this is the case, move up to the next, which has more powers to grant your wish.
Effective communication techniques
There are always right times to negotiate; thus, timing a is a critical factor in the process. Try to call your bank during business hours as the representatives are more likely to be in a position to handle your call and inquiries.
Also, before preparing one’s budget or next year or after getting a bonus or promotion would also be good time to negotiate for better wages since it can be understood that you are organizing your monetary needs.
Using the right channels
When choosing the communication means, it is important to get connected with the bank’s appropriate authority. While some people may opt for calls since they are immediate some may feel that writing a letter so as to detail their case is the best to go.
If the conversation does not work as planned, it is suggested to write a professional message through an e-mail or a letter. This also come handy since it offers you a written type of follow up of your request and the action taken by the bank.