 TITLE: A Guide to Contacting Your Lender CONTENT: The Best Ways to Contact Your Lender\n------------------------------------\nThe best way to reach out to lenders depends on the circumstances. In some cases, you might be able to resolve a situation just by clicking on a lender's website or mobile app. This could include tasks such as changing your mailing address or setting up a travel alert with a credit card issuer.\nYour lender might also offer an online chat feature where you can quickly get real-time answers to simple or even complicated questions.\nSome situations might require a phone call, however. It's best to pick up the phone and talk to a representative if you're:\n*   Asking for financial help: If you're experiencing financial problems and can't make your debt payments, your best bet is to call the lender (sooner rather than later). Contacting the lender as soon as possible enables you to quickly work out solutions, such as devising a payment plan or temporarily halting payments, before you miss your payment.\n*   Reporting a lost or stolen credit card: Act fast to prevent unauthorized charges from being racked up.\n*   Disputing a charge on your credit card: While a phone call is usually sufficient in this case, keep in mind that your rights might not be fully protected unless you file the dispute by mail. This involves flagging unauthorized use, reporting billing errors or stopping a payment. Check with your card issuer to ensure you're following their protocols.\n*   Requesting a lower interest rate\n*   Seeking a lower monthly payment\n*   Inquiring about bumping up your credit limit\n*   Asking for fee waivers\n*   Closing a credit card account: Want to close your credit card account? Your options here are to call the card issuer or request the closure through a secure online message.\nContacting your lender can be necessary in certain situations. Knowing when and how to reach out is the first step to resolving any problems with your creditors. END