How to score a lower interest rate on a credit card

Carrying a large balance on a credit card with a high-interest rate can really drag you down, to the point where it may be hard to even meet the minimum payments due each month. But don't despair: There are a number of paths you can take to help lower your Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

How can I lower my credit card APR?

Here are some tips on how you can lower your credit card APR:

1. Improve your credit score

An improvement in your credit score is critical if you want to start reducing the APR you're being offered by lenders on credit card applications. The few ways of improving your credit score are:

• Paying your bills on time
• Keeping your balances low
• Paying off any debt in a timely manner
• Diversifying your credit mix if possible
• Keeping overall credit utilization low

Tools like Chase Credit Journey can help you understand your credit score and help you improve it.

2. Consider a balance transfer

Before your balances build up, consider looking for a credit card with a 0% or low promotional rate on balance transfers. Yes, opening a new card might impact your credit score, and there may be a balance fee involved, but in the long run, your score and your own financial well-being may benefit from nipping that interest rate in the bud. 

• Steps to performing a balance transfer: Apply for a balance transfer credit card with a zero or low-interest promotional period. Then, don't use the card for purchases. Instead, you should work out how much you have to pay each month so you completely pay off your transferred balance before the zero or lower interest rate period ends. If you don't pay off your entire balance before the promotional period ends, your remaining balance will likely have a higher APR when your promotional period ends.

3. Pay off your balance

If you are in a position where you can pay off your entire balance, then that's a no brainer. It will not only get you out of a cycle of accruing interest charges every month, but may also put you in good standing for negotiating a lower APR if you qualify. 

• Tips for paying off balance: Limit your purchases on the card and set up an automatic payment that's large enough to make a good dent in your balance every month.

4. Learn your credit issuer's policy

Chase reviews qualified accounts every 6 months and automatically lowers the APR if eligible. Chase will send a letter to notify you of any changes. Requests for a lower APR are not supported outside of this review process.

Depending on your credit card issuer, if you ask for a lower interest rate, a customer service specialist might be able to submit a request on your behalf. Keep in mind that not every credit card issuer or bank accepts these requests and there is no guarantee that this request will be accepted. There are regulations that your bank or credit card company has to follow before they can increase/reduce your APR.