Lower Your Credit Card APR: A Call Script That Works

If you’re stuck paying interest, the fastest win is often changing the terms, not grinding extra $10 payments.

Here’s a call script you can use to ask for:

• an APR reduction
• a hardship program
• late‑fee/interest waiver

(Not legal/financial advice; just a practical script.)

Why it matters

Lower APR = fewer dollars burning every month. One successful call can save more than months of micro‑payments.

Step‑by‑step: the 10‑minute prep

Have ready:

• your current balance (rounded is fine)
• your current APR (or “I’m not sure, please tell me”)
• your payment history (“I’ve been paying on time for X months”)
• what you want: lower APR or hardship program

The script

Hi — my name is ____. I’m calling because my interest rate is making it hard to make progress.

I want to keep this account in good standing. Can you check if there are any options to reduce my APR or move me to a hardship program?

If there’s a hardship plan, what are the terms — APR, payment amount, and duration?

If they offer a smaller thing first

Thanks. Is there anything better available if I speak with a supervisor or retention?

If they say “no”

Okay. What would need to be true for this to be approved? Is it based on tenure, payment history, utilization, or something else?

And can you note on my account that I called to request an APR reduction today?

If they offer a hardship program

Ask these explicitly:

• Is the APR reduced, or is it just a payment plan?
• Does it require closing or freezing the card?
• Does it report as a hardship program?
• When does the new APR/payment start?

Example outcome log (rounded/anonymized)

• Date: Feb 3
• Rep: “JB”
• Request: lower APR or hardship
• Offer: APR drop from ~29% → ~19% for 12 months
• Next action: call back 60 days before promo ends

Checklist (copy/paste)

• Balance + APR in front of me
• Ask: “Any APR reduction or hardship options?”
• Ask: terms, duration, and whether card closes
• Log rep name + offer
• Set a reminder if temporary

Common mistakes

• Calling without your ask (you’ll get a generic “no”)
• Accepting a payment plan that doesn’t reduce APR
• Forgetting to set a reminder when a promo expires

Mini FAQ

Will this hurt my score? APR reductions usually don’t. Hardship plans might; ask how it’s reported.

How often can I call? I try 2–3 attempts over 30–45 days.

What if I’m already late? Ask for a fee waiver first, then negotiate terms.

Next steps

• Build the weekly view: Weekly Money Dashboard
• Use triage when you’re behind: Catch‑Up Budget Template
• Understand cashflow sequencing: Statement Date vs Due Date
• Grab the free toolkit: Toolkit