7 common bills you could negotiate

You’re spending wisely, maybe with the help of a budgeting app, and you want to stretch your dollars even farther. 

Your regular expenses may be more flexible than you might have realized. Not all bills are set in stone. Negotiating could save you money now and in the future if you’re willing to do a little legwork.

While not every negotiation attempt will succeed, you might be surprised at how often companies are willing to work with you to keep your business. With some research and a polite approach, you could trim your expenses without sacrificing services. 

Let's explore ways to negotiate with creditors and save money on common bills.

1. Credit card fees

If you make a late payment but you normally pay on time, ask your credit card company to waive the late fee. If they agree, consider it a one-time gift. They aren’t likely to offer it again.

2. Insurance coverage

Is your auto or homeowners insurance policy renewal date coming up? Call your insurance provider to ask for a lower rate. 

One of the most effective ways to present your case and justify a rate decrease is to show up to the conversation prepared with quotes from other insurers. It’s worth taking the time to shop around to find out what competitors charge for the same coverage. If your insurance company won’t budge, your research can still be put to good use. Switch to the insurance company that offers the better rate. 

3. Gym memberships

Gyms usually run promotions or offer perks in a bid to win over new customers. You may find promotions throughout the year, but especially in January. Keep an eye on your gym’s social media pages and website. If you find an advertised special, ask if you can nab it. Or ask for a discount if you know other gyms in the area are offering more competitive pricing. 

4. TV and internet

Many internet and TV providers offer lower pricing for the first few months to get you to switch and commit to a contract with them. But you probably know the drill by now: Your bill will go up after the introductory period. 

If you’ve signed a contract, you might be stuck at the regular rate for a while. But set a calendar reminder for a week or two before your contract is set to renew. At that time, call up your provider to ask for a lower new-customer rate. Be nice but persistent. The representative may need to escalate your call to people who have more authority to offer you a better deal. They know you could switch to a new provider when your contract ends, so they may be flexible on pricing to keep you.

5. Cell phone bills

Before you call, take a careful look at what features you use, such as how much data you typically use in a month. Think about whether you’re willing to commit to a longer contract. If you’re using much less than you’re paying for, ask to downgrade to a plan with a lower price. Or ask how you could get a lower price for the same plan. If you’ve been a longtime customer, remind them of that.  

Many cell phone service providers offer low prices and nationwide coverage. If you’re not happy with the price you’re paying, it’s easy to switch your number over to another provider as long as you’re not bound by a contract. 

6. Health care

Medical bills have the potential to be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you need to pay the amount on your initial bill. The healthcare industry is known for often being willing to forgive medical debt (a portion of it, anyway). 

Your provider may agree to let you make affordable payments or even lower the total amount you owe.  

7. Rent 

It doesn’t hurt to ask for lower rent, or to keep your rent at the same level and not raise it. Keep your eye on prices for similar properties in your area, especially if your lease is ending soon and you’ll have the choice to renew or move. If the place you’re interested in has been vacant for a while, your position may be stronger if you offer to sign a longer lease or move in right away.

Negotiating bills doesn’t need to take a lot of time and effort. But you’ll never get a “yes” if you don’t ask. As long as you ask politely and do your homework (like researching options), you could increase your chances of success.