How to Lower Credit Card Interest Rates: 4 Options

Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as “Credible.”

A high-interest credit card can be a major burden on your finances. The average credit card interest rate was 14.75% as of February 2021, according to the Federal Reserve — which could translate into steep interest charges if you only pay the minimum payment each month.

However, there are ways to potentially lower your credit card interest rate, which could help you save money while paying off your balance.

Here’s how to lower credit card your interest rate:

  1. Check your credit score
  2. Call your card issuer and ask
  3. Apply for a balance transfer card
  4. Take out a personal loan

1. Check your credit score

Your credit score helps determine what kind of interest rates you qualify for. In general, the better your credit score, the lower your rate.

If you’d like to get a lower interest rate, you’ll likely need good to excellent credit — a good credit score is usually considered to be 700 or higher. This is why it’s a good idea to check your credit before making the request so you know where you stand.

Tip: You can use a site like AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit reports for free. If you find any errors, dispute them with the appropriate credit bureaus to potentially boost your credit score.

Learn More: How Personal Loans Impact Your Credit Score

2. Call your card issuer and ask

One way to possibly get a lower credit card rate is to simply ask your credit card issuer for a reduction. Generally, credit card issuers are friendlier to these types of requests if you have good credit and are a good customer who pays your bills on time.

When you make the call, a few points to mention include:

  • How long you’ve been with the company
  • Your history of on-time payments
  • Whether your credit score has gone up
  • Whether you’ve received better offers from other credit card companies
Tip: When you’re speaking to your customer service representative, respectfully explain the reason for your call (being nice and pleasant goes a long way!). Ask about lowering your interest rate and what steps you need to take in order to get that taken care of.

Also keep in mind that your request might not be approved. If this happens, don’t be discouraged — ask what you need to do to lower your interest rate and when you can request a reduced rate again in the future.

Check Out: How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt

3. Apply for a balance transfer card

A balance transfer card could be a good option if your current credit card company doesn’t approve you for a lower interest rate on your card. With a balance transfer card, you can move your balance from one card to another one with a lower rate.

Tip: Some balance transfer cards come with 0% APR introductory offers. This means you could avoid paying interest if you can repay your balance before this period ends. However, keep in mind that if you can’t pay off the card in time, you could get stuck with hefty interest charges.

Learn More: Personal Loan vs. Credit Card

4. Take out a personal loan

Another option is taking out a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt — a process known as debt consolidation. Personal loans often have lower credit card interest rates than credit cards, which means you could save money on interest charges while repaying your debt.

Tip: You’ll typically need good to excellent credit to get approved for a personal loan as well as to qualify for a low interest rate. While some lenders offer debt consolidation loans for bad credit, these personal loans often come with higher interest rates compared to good credit loans.

If you’re struggling to get approved, consider applying with a cosigner. Not all lenders allow cosigners on personal loans, but some do. Even if you don’t need a cosigner to qualify, having one could get you a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own.

If you decide to take out a personal loan, it’s important to think about how much that loan will cost you. This way, you can be prepared for any added expenses. You can estimate how much you’ll pay for a loan using our personal loan calculator below.

Enter your loan information to calculate how much you could pay

Total Payment $
Total Interest $
Monthly Payment $

With a $ loan, you will pay $ monthly and a total of $ in interest over the life of your loan. You will pay a total of $ over the life of the loan.


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Balance transfer card vs. personal loan

Balance transfer cards and personal loans are both options to consolidate credit card debt and hopefully save money on interest along the way. If you’re considering a balance transfer credit card vs. personal loan, here are a few pros and cons of each to keep in mind:

Pros of balance transfer credit cards

  • 0% APR: Some balance transfer credit cards come with a 0% APR introductory offer, which means you can avoid paying interest if you pay off your balance before this period ends.
  • Could help build your credit: If you make all of your payments on time, you might see your credit improve — which could help you qualify for better rates in the future.
  • Rewards or perks: Depending on the card you choose, you might have access to various rewards or perks, such as cash back or points.

Check Out: How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast

Cons of balance transfer credit cards

  • Balance transfer fees: Most cards charge a balance transfer fee — generally from 3% to 5% — that could increase your balance.
  • Higher interest rates: Credit cards generally have higher interest rates than personal loans. While you might be able to take advantage of a 0% APR introductory offer — depending on the card — carrying a balance beyond this period could lead to steep interest charges if you don’t pay off the card by your due date each month.
  • Might be tempting to rack up a balance: A balance transfer card is still a credit card. Even if you pay your initial balance off, it could be tempting to rack up a balance again.

Learn More: How Debt Consolidation Loans Can Help Your Credit Score

Pros of personal loans

  • Lower interest rates: Personal loan rates are usually lower compared to credit cards. This could save you money on interest charges and even help you pay off your loan faster.
  • Fixed monthly payments: Personal loans generally have fixed interest rates, which means your monthly payments will stay the same throughout the life of the loan.
  • Options for poor or fair credit: While many personal loan lenders require good to excellent credit, there are others that offer personal loans for bad credit.

Check Out: Small Personal Loans: Compare Top Lenders Today

Cons of personal loans

  • Might come with fees: Some lenders charge fees on personal loans, such as origination or late fees. This can add to your overall loan cost.
  • Can have larger payments: Depending on your repayment terms, you might end up with higher monthly payments on a personal loan compared to a credit card. Before you sign for a loan, be sure your new payments will fit comfortably in your budget.
  • No rewards: Unlike credit cards, personal loans don’t come with any rewards.

Learn More: How to Check If a Personal Loan Company Is Legitimate

How to take out a personal loan

If you decide to take out a personal loan to help reduce how much you pay in credit card interest, follow these four steps:

  1. Check your credit. Like with credit cards, personal loan lenders will review your credit to determine your creditworthiness as well as what rates you qualify for. To see what shape your credit is in before you apply, use a site like AnnualCreditReport.com to review your credit reports for free. If you find any errors, dispute them with the appropriate credit bureaus to potentially boost your credit score.
  2. Compare lenders and pick a loan option. Be sure to consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for your needs. Consider not only interest rates but also repayment terms and any fees charged by the lender. After researching lenders, choose the loan option that works best for you.
  3. Complete the application. Once you’ve picked a personal loan lender, you’ll need to fill out a full application and submit any required documentation, such as tax returns or pay stubs.
  4. Get your funds. If you’re approved, the lender will have you sign for the loan so the money can be released to you. The time to fund for a personal loan is usually about one week — though some lenders will fund loans as soon as the same or next business day after approval. There are also lenders that will pay your creditors directly if you’d prefer.

Before you take out a personal loan, remember to consider as many lenders as you can to find the right loan for you. Credible makes this easy — you can compare your prequalified rates from our partner lenders in the table below in two minutes

Lender Fixed rates Loan amounts Min. credit score Loan terms (years)

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

9.95% – 35.99% APR $2,000 to $35,000** 550 2, 3, 4, 5*
  • Fixed APR: 9.95% – 35.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 550
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $35,000**
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5*
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day (if approved by 4:30 p.m. CT on a weekday)
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except CO, IA, HI, VT, NV NY, WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Avant
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, emergency expense, life event, home improvement, and other purposes
  • Min. Income: $1,200 monthly

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

6.79% – 17.99% APR $5,000 to $35,000 740 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Fixed APR: 6.79% – 17.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 740
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $35,000
  • Loan terms (years): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: Next business day
  • Fees: No prepayment penalty
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, self-employment, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

4.99% – 35.99% APR $5,000 to $35,000 600 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Fixed APR: 4.99% – 35.99% APR
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $50,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as 1 – 3 business days after successful verification
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except DC, IA, VT, and WV
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Best Egg and Blue Ridge Bank
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

6.99% – 24.99% APR $2,500 to $35,000 660 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Fixed APR: 6.99% – 24.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 660
  • Loan amount: $2,500 to $35,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day after acceptance
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility:  Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan Uses: Auto repair, credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home remodel or repair, major purchase, medical expenses, taxes, vacation, and wedding

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

7.99% – 29.99% APR $10,000 to $50,000 Not disclosed by lender 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Fixed APR: 7.99% – 29.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $10,000 to $50,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as 2 business days
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: No
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except CO, CT, HI, KS, NH, NY, ND, OR, VT, WV, WI, and WY
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, wedding, travel, medical expenses, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

7.04% – 35.89% APR $1,000 to $40,000 600 3, 5
  • Fixed APR: 7.04% – 35.89% APR
  • Min. credit score: 600
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 5
  • Time to fund: Usually takes about 2 days
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: LendingClub Bank
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, paying off credit cards, home improvement, pool loans, vacations, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

15.49% – 35.99% APR $2,000 to $36,500 580 2, 3, 4
  • Fixed APR: 15.49% – 35.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 580
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $36,500
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4
  • Time to fund: As soon as the next business day
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except NV and WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: $20,000
  • Loan Uses: Home improvement, consolidate debt, credit card refinancing, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

2.49% – 19.99% APR $5,000 to $100,000 660 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
(up to 12 years for home improvement loans)
  • Fixed APR: 2.49% – 19.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 660
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $100,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7*
  • Time to fund: As soon as the same business day
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except RI and VT
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: No
  • Loan servicer: LightStream
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

6.99% – 19.99% APR1 $3,500 to $40,0002 660
(TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)
3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Fixed APR: 6.99% – 19.99% APR1
  • Min. credit score: 660
    (TransUnion FICO®️ Score 9)
  • Loan amount: $3,500 to $40,0002
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: Many Marcus customers receive funds in as little as three days
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Loan servicer: Goldman Sachs
  • Min. Income: $30,000
  • Loan Uses: Credit card refinancing, debt consolidation, home improvement, major purchase, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

18.0% – 35.99% APR $1,500 to $20,000 None 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Fixed APR: 18.0% – 35.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: None
  • Loan amount: $1,500 to $20,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as the same day, but usually requires a visit to a branch office
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Must have photo I.D. issued by U.S. federal, state or local government
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

5.99% – 17.99% APR $600 to $50,000
(depending on loan term)
670 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Fixed APR: 5.99% – 17.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $600 to $50,000*
  • Loan terms (years): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Time to fund: 2 to 4 business days after verification
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Does not disclose
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: No
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, transportation, medical, dental, life events

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

6.95% – 35.99% APR $2,000 to $40,000 640 3, 5
  • Fixed APR: 6.95% – 35.99% APR
  • Min. credit score: 640
  • Loan amount: $2,000 to $40,000
  • Loan terms (years): 3, 5
  • Time to fund: As soon as one business day
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except IA, ND, WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: None
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, home improvement, vehicles, small business, new baby expenses, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

5.99% – 18.83% APR $5,000 to $100,000 Does not disclose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Fixed APR: 5.99% – 18.83% APR
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $100,000
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Time to fund: 3 business days
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except MS
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Solely for personal, family, or household uses

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

8.93% – 35.93% APR7 $1,000 to $50,000 560 3 to 5 years 8
  • Fixed APR: 8.93% – 35.93% APR7
  • Min. credit score: 560
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000
  • Loan terms: 3 to 5 years 8
  • Time to fund: Within one day, once approved9
  • Loan types: Debt consolidation, pay off credit cards, home improvements, unexpected expenses, home and auto repairs, weddings, and other major purchases
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; not available in DC, SC, WV
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

5.94% – 35.97% APR $1,000 to $50,000 560 2, 3, 5, 6
  • Fixed APR: 5.94% – 35.97% APR
  • Min. credit score: 560
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,000*
  • Loan terms (years): 2, 3, 5, 6
  • Time to fund: Within a day of clearing necessary verifications
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Available in all states except West Virginia
  • Customer service: Email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: Does not disclose
  • Loan Uses: Debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, home improvement, and other purposes

Credible Rating

Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.

6.46% – 35.99% APR4 $1,000 to $50,0005 580 3 to 5 years4
  • Fixed APR: 6.46% – 35.99% APR4
  • Min. credit score: 580
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $50,0005
  • Loan terms (years): 3 to 5 years4
  • Time to fund: As fast as 1 business day6
  • Fees: Origination fee
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Min. Income: $12,000
  • Loan Uses: Payoff credit cards, consolidate debt, take a course or bootcamp, relocate, make a large purchase, and other purposes
Compare rates from these lenders without affecting your credit score. 100% free!Compare Now
All APRs reflect autopay and loyalty discounts where available | LightStream disclosure | Read more about Rates and Terms

Should you close your credit card?

After you’ve paid off a credit card, you might consider closing it. However, keep in mind that if you close a credit card account, you might see your credit score drop. This is because a closed account could:

  • Raise your credit utilization ratio, as you might have less available credit compared to how much you owe
  • Lower the average age of your credit accounts, especially if you’ve had the account for an extended period of time

However, if you continue making payments on time on your other credit accounts, your score will likely bounce back within a few months.

Tip: Ultimately, whether to close an account depends on your individual circumstances. For example, if you feel that keeping a credit card account open could lead you into more debt, then it might be better to close the account and deal with the potential credit score changes.

Keep Reading: Pay Off Credit Card Debt ASAP With a Personal Loan


About Rates and Terms: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 4.99-35.99% APR with terms from 12 to 84 months. Rates presented include lender discounts for enrolling in autopay and loyalty programs, where applicable. Actual rates may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown and will be based on the lender’s eligibility criteria, which include factors such as credit score, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history, and vary based on loan purpose. The lowest rates available typically require excellent credit, and for some lenders, may be reserved for specific loan purposes and/or shorter loan terms. The origination fee charged by the lenders on our platform ranges from 0% to 8%. Each lender has their own qualification criteria with respect to their autopay and loyalty discounts (e.g., some lenders require the borrower to elect autopay prior to loan funding in order to qualify for the autopay discount). All rates are determined by the lender and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s chosen lender. For a loan of $10,000 with a three year repayment period, an interest rate of 7.99%, a $350 origination fee and an APR of 11.51%, the borrower will receive $9,650 at the time of loan funding and will make 36 monthly payments of $313.32. Assuming all on-time payments, and full performance of all terms and conditions of the loan contract and any discount programs enrolled in included in the APR/interest rate throughout the life of the loan, the borrower will pay a total of $11,279.43. As of March 12, 2019, none of the lenders on our platform require a down payment nor do they charge any prepayment penalties.

About the author
Dori Zinn

Dori Zinn is a student loan authority and a contributor to Credible. Her work has appeared in Huffington Post, Bankate, Inc, Quartz, and more.

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