Banks often offer perks and benefits to their cardholders, including low interest rates and sign-up bonuses.
But did you know that credit card issuers might also provide some perks if you just ask? We’ve compiled a list of six little-known benefits that could be yours for just a phone call — and some may even help your credit health.
- Change the date your bill is due
- Place limits on spending and cash advances
- Increase your credit limit
- Lower your interest rate
- Remove a late fee
- Waive your card’s annual fee
1. Change the date your bill is due
Your on-time payment history is usually one of the most important factors used to calculate your credit scores, so making a late payment on your credit card could affect your scores negatively.
If you’re having trouble juggling multiple credit cards, try calling your credit card provider and asking to have your bill’s monthly due date moved. If you’re able to synchronize all of your cards’ due dates, you may be able to minimize your chance of forgetting to make a payment.
2. Place limits on spending and cash advances
There’s typically a strong correlation between your credit card utilization rate and your credit scores. Experts generally recommend keeping the ratio between your balances and credit limits below 30%.
So, for example, if you have a total credit limit across your accounts of $10,000, you’d need to keep your total balance below $3,000 to keep your credit utilization rate below 30%.
You can ask to set caps on the amounts of purchases and cash advances that are allowed on your card so you can keep your credit utilization rate at a comfortable level.
Because fees and interest on cash advances are often higher than the interest rate on purchases, you may want to set your cash advance limit to $0 to avoid these added costs.
3. Increase your credit limit
One way to decrease your credit utilization rate is by getting your credit limits increased. If you currently have low credit limits or sometimes carry a balance, try requesting an increase to the limit on your cards.
Keep in mind that if having a higher credit limit will tempt you to spend more, this may not be the best strategy for you. In addition, requesting a higher limit may result in a hard credit inquiry, which may affect your credit scores, so consider whether the increase is worth the possible inquiry.
4. Lower your interest rate
Banks are usually more willing to work with their long-time customers. If you’ve been with your bank for a long time, it never hurts to ask for a lower interest rate, especially if you’ve established a history of making on-time payments.
While it’s a good idea to pay off your credit card in full each month, a lower interest rate can help reduce how much you’ll have to pay if you ever need to carry a balance.
5. Remove a late fee
Banks may be willing to waive a late fee if it’s the first time you’ve ever been tardy. In fact, some credit card providers even offer cards that will automatically waive the fee on your first late payment. But you may not want to count on these. Try to pay your bill as quickly as possible, and if you miss a payment, try explaining your situation to the bank — it may help you out.
6. Waive your card’s annual fee
If you’re thinking about canceling your card to avoid the annual fee, consider calling the card issuer first, as closing your accounts can affect your credit. Banks may be willing to waive your annual fee, especially if it’s the first year, or offer a statement credit or rewards points to keep you as a customer.