# Credit Card Hardship Program Rate Cut

> Credit card users can lower interest rates through hardship programs by calling issuers directly.
- Title: Credit Card Hardship Program Rate Cut · 24/7 Wall St.
- Summary: Credit card users can lower interest rates through hardship programs by calling issuers directly.
- Keywords: credit card, hardship program, interest rate, card issuer, minimum payment, federal law, cfpb, payment arrangement, 24/7 Wall St.
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/11/14/his-credit-card-issuer-may-cut-his-interest-rate-through-a-hardship-program-he-has-to-call-and-ask
- Author: David Beren
- Published: 2026-11-14T19:07:14+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: credit card, hardship program, interest rate, card issuer, minimum payment, federal law, cfpb, payment arrangement
## Hardship Programs Exist
Credit card issuers offer hardship programs for cardholders facing setbacks like medical bills.
## Current High Interest Rates
Average credit card interest rates reached 21.19% as of August 2026 with 2.85% balances past due by April 2026.
## Hardship Program Terms
Hardship programs include lower APR, smaller payments, interest-only payments, or temporary pauses.
## Federal Law Protection
Federal law prevents rate increases after hardship programs end but caps rates at pre-program levels.
## Who Qualifies
Qualifying setbacks include job loss, medical expenses, natural disasters, or family changes like divorce.
## Request Process
Cardholders call issuers to explain payment difficulties and how much they can afford before missing payments.
## Trade-Offs
Hardship programs often freeze or close accounts, affecting credit scores and reporting on credit reports.
## Other Options
Nonprofit counseling or debt management plans offer alternatives if card companies refuse hardship programs.
## Key takeaway

Cardholders may request temporary interest rate cuts via hardship programs by contacting issuers.