In December, I transferred a pretty good balance onto an existing citibank card, which offered a 0% for 6 months with a 3% transaction fee.
The payment due date was on Christmas, so suprise, suprise, it posted a few days late.
I had transferred all I could for the 0% rate, so there was nothing available on the card at all. THE $39 late fee put me over my limit, which resulted in an over-limit fee, and the interest rate jumping from 0 to 23%!!
So, I emailed customer service, explaining to them that I tranferred the balance in order to prepare for difficult and fiancial times and to maintain my good credit rating. I spelled out what I wanted: credit for the late and over-limit fees and I wanted the 0% back.
As they say, ask and you shall receive. The fees they were able to credit that same day, but to get the 0 rate I had to wait for a letter in the mail, which came about 10 days later.
Given the current economic climate, companies are willing to work with people to avoid defaulting on debts. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower rate, different due date, or lower payment if that will help your situation.
