Balance Transfer of $19k? Need help!

[hector99b6]

I've had a Visa account with Providian (recently became WaMu) for 7 1/2 years. My limit is 20k. I have a balance of $19k. I have a great payment history... except last October, I got an over the limit and late pay from WaMu (just a couple of days, so not reported). WaMu upped my rate to 31% as a result. I called them and they refuse to negotiate the rate down. I've GOT to lower the rate as I am currently paying $500/mo in interest alone.

My credit score is 647, due to high debt to income ratio. I recently got a decent raise. I can make the payment, but need to pay down my balance to improve my FICO.

Is there any company out there that would open a new account for $19k and do a balance transfer? I really want to close the WaMu account.

I'm not trying to buy anything, so this isn't urgent. It's just obsurd.
Please offer any advise you can.
Thanks.

[CorpRebel]

Shop around at other banks for a better rate. You still should be able to negotiate that down a bit.

About your only option right now.


Good Luck!

[alexc]

[eskimo13]

[Lucidboomer]

[Lucidboomer]