Credit Repair Secrets: 5 Tips For Negotiating Better Terms
If you’re looking for credit repair secrets, here are 5 negotiating tips. They work regardless of how good or bad your credit might currently be. Let’s get started.
Tip #1 Ask
We’ve all heard that if you ask, you will receive. It’s doubly true in the credit industry because the competition is so stiff. It’s expensive for credit card companies to get a new customer so they’ll work hard to try and keep your business. You might be surprised what you can get just by calling and asking. If you need a reason for them to give you something, tell them you’ve been a good customer or that you’re going through hard times. Any reason will do as long as it’s true.
I know one person who called her credit card company to close the account. She was wanting to pay down her debt and didn’t want to think about the possibility that she might use the card again. The company made her all kinds of offers from lower interest to lower payments. It reminded me of an outright settlement. In this economy, creditor are becoming more flexible because it’s harder to make the same profit they did before.
Tip #2 Don’t max out all your cards
When you have an available spending limit, you can do a balance transfer from a higher rate card. If you’re interested in raising your credit limits, keep your balances around 30%. That way, you let the credit card companies make some money on interest and show you can manage your credit well.
Tip #3 Let credit card companies compete against each other
Having a better deal somewhere else is the easiest way to get a good deal. Credit card companies know they are a dime a dozen and will give you whatever deal necessary to keep you. If you can make a balance transfer out of their account, they’ll be more willing to work with you. If not, make the transfer and then see what kind of deal they’ll give you to get it back.
Tip #4 Work to improve your credit
This one might sound obvious. The best customers get the best deals in any industry. One thing to consider though is if something happens and you have to miss payments. After making your secured loan payments, look at prioritizing your accounts based on how good a deal you’re getting. Use that as leverage in the future. If they would have given you better terms, they could have been a higher priority. Ask for a better deal so they get paid first next time.
Tip #5 Crunch the numbers
Most people only negotiate the interest rate. While that’s usually the most important factor, you ought to look at any additional fees, any rewards for using the card, and how long the rate is good for, etc. A company that wants you to call in every month to give you the best rate won’t be as attractive as a card that gives you a fixed low rate.
At the end of the day, the key to negotiating is to know where you are and where you want to be. Then get out there and keep asking until you get what you want.
Find out how to do your own credit repair without an agency. Visit www.creditrepairsecrets.org for free credit advice.