Why you should call your Credit Card Company

When was the last time you called your credit card company? Many people would respond by saying that they only call when there is an inaccuracy on their statement. People don’t realize how nice credit card companies treat their customers. After all it is like writing this blog, if I eventually was rolling in money because of my blog, then my readers would be my best friends. Here are a few tips to help you take full advantage of credit card companies by giving them a call ever now and again.

1.) Ask them if there are any promotions that you are eligible for.
I personally don’t do this as often as I should, but the few times that I have done it I have been pretty lucky. On one occasion I got my interest rate reduced by 50% and on another card I recieved $40 cash back if I made one purchase. All you have to do is ask and the worst they can say is “No, we don’t have anything.”

2.) If you miss a payment get it waved
I can’t recall how many times I accidentally made a late payment and they charged me a woppin’ $30 late-payment fee. What I can recall is how many time I have actually paid a late-payment fee. BIG ZERO!! Every time I have receive a fee, I quickly call up the credit card company and remind them that I have been a good customer and they reverse the charge with no hassle.

3.) If you can’t pay your card let the credit card company know
I have never been in this situation, but I have read plenty about it. If you don’t think you are going to be able to pay your minimum or even if you see yourself getting buried by the compounded interest, call them before you account becomes delinquent. Credit Card companies are much more friendly when you are in good standing, so when you tell them that you are having financial struggles, they will give you a deal. Normally the credit card companies will ask you what you can afford and they will adjust your interest rate and develop a payment plan for you. The last thing they want you to do is to go bankrupt, so let them help you pay your bill.

4.)If you rent a car or travel, find out what you cards offer
If you’re traveling by plane, boat, or renting a car, then you should check with you credit card about any insurance they provide you with. Many cards offer travel insurance, accident insurance, and accidental death insurance, just for paying your travel expenses with that credit card. You need to call you credit cards before you spend on any travel expenses and find out which card will offer you the most benefits. Free Benefits, why not?

5.) Free Credit reports

Since a credit card company modifies your credit report, you are entitled to receive a copy of your credit report every so often. If you have several credit cards, you should be able to spread it out over a year to get regular credit reports for free. They might try to sell you a credit protector service, but just tell them you want a free copy of your credit report. You generally can get a couple reports each year per card. So once again why not get you credit report?

call, credit cards, credit report, Credit score