How do you lower your credit card interest rate?

The most direct way is to call your issuer and ask — cardholders with consistent on-time payment history have a reasonable shot at a courtesy rate reduction. You can also move the balance to a lower-rate or 0% intro APR card, or improve your score and request a re-evaluation.

Rates aren't fixed in stone. Issuers have retention departments with authority to reduce rates for customers who ask, particularly those with 12+ months of on-time payments and no recent delinquencies. When you call, state that you'd like a rate reduction, mention your tenure and payment record, and reference any competing offers you've received — a 0% promo or lower ongoing APR from another issuer gives you credible leverage. Don't threaten to close the account unless you mean it. If the issuer won't budge, a balance transfer to a 0% intro card can effectively zero your rate during the promo window, and raising your credit score over time gives you grounds to ask again later.

Reviewed by the ClearValue Editorial Team · Last updated 7/8/2026