| Hi Scarlett2001 Much of the stuff that they do is not written in stone: there's wiggle room. If you call them and make a good case, perhaps they may cancel the increase, or reduce it, or extend the date at which it takes effect, etc. If they turn you down on one proposal, suggest another. Be courteous and pleasant: be sure to mention all of the different aspects of how good a customer you've been (without emphasizing the issue that they've transferred so little interest from your pocket into theirs). If one proposal fails, have figured out ahead of time which other one you'd prefer and run through them one by one, checking them off as you go. Be patient, reasonable ... and persistent. Can you think well on your feet? Maybe do a dry run, with a family member or friend as the credit card agent. Have you had an offer from a different carrier of a low rate for several months on balance transfers, etc.? I've received three, via mail, internet ad and my own search, recently. You haven't? Don't let that sleeping dog lie - ask around among your friends as to whether they have ... and can fish the proposal out of the garbage for you, for if you ask that carrier, quite likely they'll be willing to make the same offer to you. Even if they don't ... when you're talking to your current company, you can say that your friend received an offer at 1.9% for xx months, etc. Nothing requires you to say that you've spoken to the other company, should you have done so ... and they turned you down. Grandma (died in 1950) used to say that one should tell the truth, but [usually] we aren't required to tell all that we know. If you don't get your desired result this week ... call them again next week - some customer service reps are more accomodating than others! If you can't find a better deal in that channel, how about talking to your usual financial agecy - maybe they'll make you an unsecured loan to enable you to pay off the C C balance owing in full, at a lower rate ... especially if you have a bond, mutual fund or stock certificate(s) to offer as collateral. Or try a credit union ... even if you're not currently a member: many are looking to expand, with financially responsible people as members. "You don't ask - you don't get", is a worthwhile proposal for lifestyle that I've heard on occasion. I have an L o C at the bank that was charging at their prime, 4.25% ... but when their prime went to 3.5% ... they wanted a surcharge of 1.5% (different financial climate), wanted me to pay them 5% ... so I figure to buy some stocks using original credit card, then transfer balance owing to a new card at 1.9% (and buy nothing on the new card, for I can't pay any of that new loan off till all of the balance transfer and interest is paid). Now - the "I told you so" ... many of us financial advisors have been promoting having at least 3 months' income available in case of emergency (6 mos.' to a year's worth, even better). How would you be feeling now, if you had built such a cushion earlier, to be available currently? Good wishes for success in achieving a better result than the current situation. ole joyful | 
