How to Talk to a Credit Card Company

The response you get from a phone representative at a credit card company has a lot to do with why you're calling and what the status of your account it. More importantly, however, is the manner in which you speak to the representative. This is definitely one scenario where the old saying, "You catch more flies with sugar than vinegar" is true. Remain calm and pleasant and you'll probably receive the same tone back from the credit card representative.

Instructions

1

Stay cheerful. Credit card representatives are much more likely to respond in a cheerful way if you are cheerful as well. Remember that many representatives spend a lot of time on the phone throughout the day, so it makes sense that you should try to remain friendly when possible. This isn't to say that you should be exceedingly cheerful when met by an incredibly rude representative, but if you begin your conversation politely and with a friendly voice you are more likely to get a polite response.

2

Stay factual. If you're calling to dispute a charge on your credit card statement, know for sure that you didn't authorize the purchase. If you're calling because you want a lower interest rate, know what other credit card companies are offering for comparable credit products. If your call is concerning a problem with your account that is your fault, such as a late payment or a fee for exceeding the credit limit, don't act as though it's the credit card company's fault. Acknowledge your fault and ask for the company to waive the fees associated with the mistake.

3

Be proactive. For example, if you know that your payment is going to be late--but it isn't yet late--call beforehand and see if there is a way to extend the due date or at least notate in your account that you called beforehand. Be sure to tell the representative that you are calling in an effort to be proactive because many representatives will appreciate this. So many credit card representatives spend a lot of time talking to people who are already behind in payments, so if you call before the problem arises then you may encounter a grateful representative.

4

Keep records of the conversations. Be sure to tell the representative you speak with that you are keeping records of all the conversations you have regarding your credit card inquiry. This will also enable you to refer back to these records at a later time if necessary, which allows you to back up any claims with historical information. Don't be snide when informing the representative about your records, but do be sure to demonstrate your efficiency.

5

Ask to speak to a manager. If the representative can't help you with your request--or is excessively rude--don't give up there. In a polite manner, request to speak to a supervisor. This will give you a better chance of getting whatever it is you are requesting and will also let the credit card company know that you mean business. After all, there are some things that representatives can't do, but managers can accomplish quite quickly. Don't be apprehensive about asking to speak to a manager when you're not getting a positive response to your reasonable request.