Calling your credit card company can be a dreaded task, comparable to going to the dentist. Usually we’re forced to call in stressful moments, like to report a merchant error or fraudulent charge. It’s time to change the way you think about calling your credit card company. The truth is, taking 10 to 20 minutes for credit conversation can pay off in big ways.

You should always review all of your credit card company’s policies before you make any claims, arguments or requests. So: get your research in order, grab a phone and prepare to lower that monthly bill by reaching a compromise with your credit card company representatives.

1. Ask for a better interest rate. Most cards charge from 10-25% APR. A lower interest rate can add up quickly to major savings, especially if you’re paying down a balance and get hit with interest. Even if you think you’ve already secured a competitive rate, if you’ve been a loyal customer and have a history of paying on time, your credit card company may be willing to boost your service by lowering your rate.  Another option is, if you’ve been receiving tempting card offers from other companies, mention those to bargain with your company to improve your rewards or interest rate.
2. Waive the late payment fee. Missed a payment? Late fees can range from $15-$35 each time. Credit card companies have been known to forgive late payment fees, particularly if you have a strong payment history. Even if you’ve fallen behind a couple times, reason that you’ll make a sizeable payment on your balance if they’d be willing to waive the late fees. Also, signing up for monthly automatic withdrawal to pay your balance is another way to convince them to waive a late fee.
3. Forget about the annual fee. Some credit card companies charge steep annual fees, up to $500. A 2018 study by Value Penguin found that among the cards that include annual fees, the average fee was $147. Rewards cards tend to come with a higher annual fee. It’s a good idea to revise your records and consider if your rewards are really worth it or if it would be smart to downgrade to a more basic plan. Value Penguin also showed that the majority of premium cards are marketed toward people with credit scores above 680 and these cards tend to carry the highest average annual fees.
4. Speak to a manager. If you’ve explained your dilemma to the representative, and you’re still not getting the response you hoped… Maybe it’s time to speak to someone higher up at the company. Politely thank the representative for their help and ask if you can speak to a manager. Managers often have more power to pull strings and may be keen to keep your business and deliver good customer service. Alternatively, you may have to call back another day and try your luck again to reach a different representative.
5. Move your due date. One of the simplest and wisest moves to improve your relationship with your credit card is to move your payment due date to a day that works better with your employer’s payday. Sometimes, setting the date out even a week past your payday can make you end up avoiding the payment. If you’re committed to paying down your balance and rebuilding credit, set up automatic payments on your credit card for the day after payday.
6. Score a higher limit. Having a higher limit on your credit card may not save you money now, but it doesn’t cost anything and it can help improve your credit score—which means more savings down the line. Utilization can account for up to a third of your credit score, and refers to the total amount of credit you occupy, compared to the total amount of credit available to you.
7. Should you close your account? If you get frustrated by your credit card company’s inability to be flexible with your fees and rates, you may feel like taking your business somewhere else. Think about this carefully because closing an account with a bank or credit institution can have a negative impact on your credit score. Research new cards and weigh the costs before you make the switch.

Whether you’re working to get out of debt or just need to find more ways to save money, your credit card company can give you wiggle room when it comes to taxes and fees. It never hurts to ask. Your credit card should fit your lifestyle, and the hope is that your credit card company will understand this.

Take control of your credit card and finances by communicating more openly with your credit card company. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your credit card plan and the benefits that are available to you.

If your current credit card company is being difficult, here are some cards offers with zero percent interest and great balance transfer rates: