{
  "id": 6603268,
  "title": "Can you lower your credit card interest rate without hurting your credit score?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/can-you-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate-without-hurting-your",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-10T15:05:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CBS News",
    "slug": "cbs-news",
    "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-you-lower-credit-card-rate-without-hurting-credit-score/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Borrowers are grappling with high credit card interest rates, averaging 22.15% as of now. While there's uncertainty about future rates, lowering your credit card interest rate without damaging your credit score is possible. One way is to negotiate with your credit card company for a lower APR. If you've made timely payments, have a long history, or improved your credit profile, you may have leverage. This typically won't hurt your credit score unless they require a hard inquiry. Another option is enrolling in a credit card hardship program, which can temporarily lower your interest rate without affecting your credit score directly. However, some programs may close your account, impacting your credit utilization ratio. Using a balance transfer credit card can also help, but it usually involves a hard inquiry and closing an existing card. Lastly, a debt management program can negotiate lower interest rates or waive fees, but it may require closing accounts and temporarily lower your score. Carefully consider the credit impact and long-term benefits of each option.",
  "summary": "Cutting your credit card rate could save you money on interest, but some strategies come with a credit tradeoff.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}