9 guilt-free ways I take full advantage of my credit card company by Len Penzo on Jun 27, 2016, 11:43 AM Advertisement
 Sitting on the edge of the Sonoran desert, along the main highway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, lies Hadley’s, a popular fruit stand and tourist stop that sells, among other things, banana date shakes. I love ’em; they’re an incredibly tasty treat — especially on hot arid summer days. Don’t tell that to my daughter, Nina. She hates banana date milkshakes; the mere sight of them makes her gag. What’s really funny is Nina swears that the only thing worse than a banana date shake is escargot — although she’s never tried either of them. I know. My daughter is no different than folks who stubbornly refuse to try credit cards for the first time. They’re certain that credit card companies take advantage of consumers. They think nothing good can ever come from credit cards — nothing! — and they know this because, well … somebody told them so. If they only knew what they’re missing. Fiscally responsible people don’t fear credit cards and the companies that issue them. They embrace them. In fact, savvy credit card holders actually turn the tables and use those “evil” credit card companies every chance they get. How is that possible? Because the competition for customers is extremely fierce. It’s true! For proof, most people only have to check their junk mail. With that in mind, I take advantage of my credit card company as often as I can — and I do so without any guilt. Here are several ways you can too: SEE ALSO: ASK A FINANCIAL PLANNER: 'Should I sign up for a store credit card?' 1. Take advantage of their ludicrously large sign-up bonuses In the world of personal finance, patience is a virtue. I remember when Marriott was courting me on an almost-monthly basis to sign up for their rewards card. At first, they were offering me 40,000 points. After six months, they had upped the ante to 50,000 points. Not long after that they sweetened the pot to 70,000 points. Hey, it’s not just the girls — every guy has his price too. Chumps!
2. Demand a lower interest rate That’s right. If you’ve been a good customer, by all means, call up your credit card company and ask them to lower your interest rate. Odds are they’ll cave. But if they balk, tell them you’re going to close your account and:
3. Transfer your balances to a new credit card with a 0% APR If you’re already carrying a balance on your other credit cards — and paying high interest rates in the process — then make sure you get the last laugh by finding a new card with an introductory 0% APR that allows you to transfer the balances.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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