Lenders want to keep good customers.
If you:
Always pay on time
Have improved your credit score
Are carrying a large balance (but still paying)
You are valuable to them.
It’s cheaper for lenders to lower your rate than to lose you to a competitor.
🔔 Negotiation works because it’s mutually beneficial.
If the lender refuses:
Ask if there are promotional offers or new programs you qualify for.
Consider transferring your balance to a lower-rate card.
Call again after 3–6 months with an improved credit profile.
At Lostik, persistence has turned many initial "no's" into eventual "yes's."
It depends on:
Your credit score improvement
Market competition
Your current interest rate
Typical reductions:
Credit Cards: 3%–10% APR
Loans: 1%–5% APR
At Lostik, many clients have seen 10–30% lower interest costs annually just by asking.
No, negotiating itself does NOT impact your credit score. However, if you apply for a balance transfer or new loan (as part of your strategy), a hard inquiry could temporarily lower your score by a few points.
🔔 Simply asking your current lender to lower your rate = no credit score effect.
After improving your credit score
After 6–12 months of consistent on-time payments
After receiving a competitive offer from another lender
Pro Tip:
The best time is often right after paying down a chunk of your balance—it shows responsibility.