Every time when you use your credit card, you are making money for credit card companies. It’s obvious that credit card companies are willing to establish good relationship with their card holders. They want you to use their cards! So how can you take advantage of it? Here are several tips on how to deal with credit card companies:

Call: you can easily find the phone number at any where. You can call to ask for low interest rate, waive or reduce any fees. If you miss a payment and come up with a late payment fee, call then up and request them to reduce or waive the fee. If your APR is too high, just call them up and request to lower the rate. If they simply decline your request, you can go further and request to close the account! Tell them that you have other better choices then to use this card. Remember: the credit card market is extremely competitive. If they lose a cardholder, they lose the chance to get profit.

Consolidate credit lines: this is especially useful for those who have multiple cards from a card issuer. In this way you can lower the utilization of your credit card and boost your credit score. You can also lower the chance to get over limit fees. Increase your credit limit without credit pulls: most credit card issuers request to pull your credit report every time you ask to increase your credit lines. Talk to them directly and see what will happen. Switch your card or rewards program: usually you can change your card to another card which might be better meeting your needs. You should notice that you can switch cards within similar class. For example, a student card can’t be converted to a business card. Sometimes you find out you are not a frequent flyer but you have a mileage rewards card. What should you do? Call them up and switch to a cash back card/program.

Warranty extension: lots of credit cards now are offering extend or double manufacture’s warranty plan. Figure out which card offers such benefit and take advantage of it when you make large purchase.

Auto rental insurance: I believe most cards are offering such benefit. Keep an eye on it.
Foreign transaction fee: discover card and capital one provide on transaction fee for foreign transactions. HSBC household card and orchard card offer 2% cash back and 1% foreign transaction fee. Try to avoid the transaction. Other benefits: some credit card offer better discount trough special online shopping in their website such as VIP lounge access, free upgrade to coach or business seat, free companion ticket etc.Remember: 1. credit card companies are trying their best to make as much money as possible. 2. They have well defined rules, policies and procedures. 3. They are willing to sacrifice 2 for 1.