Want 0% Interest for 12 Months on Your Discover Card?
Here’s How to Get It
A wise man once said:
The only way to use a credit card effectively is to pay off the balance in full each month. It then becomes a personalized, zero percent interest short-term loan.
Wouldn’t it be great if that’s how credit cards actually worked?
They front you the money willy-nilly, and as long as you pay it back, you’re all good!
But that’s not how they work.
The very notion of paying zero percent interest goes against any sensible lending model.
Here’s how you get it anyways, from Discover.
Discover Has Excellent Customer Service
Discover Financial is generally known for having stellar customer service.
In fact, Discover has consistently ranked highly in J.D. Power’s annual credit card customer satisfaction survey, often earning the highest score among credit card issuers.
Discover offers 24/7 customer service through multiple channels, including phone, online chat, and social media. They also have a helpful mobile app and a comprehensive online help center.
Overall, Discover is renowned for being responsive and helpful when customers need assistance.
If you call them on the phone, it is virtually guaranteed that you will get a qualified representative in the USA who speaks fluent English and is in a chipper mood. This is exactly what you’ll be using to your advantage.
Have the Qualifications
Before calling Discover (1–800-DISCOVER), let’s ensure you have the minimum qualifications to reap the benefits that Discover can bestow upon you.
It is preferable (although not required) that to qualify for “hidden benefits,” you must:
- Have a credit score in the Fair to Excellent range (depends on the model, but 700+ will usually work wonders)
- Be done with any pending promotions or offers on your Discover card
- Not be in an active dispute with Discover
- No prior history of acting like trash to the customer service representatives, so you’re on some list
If you can meet these basic four requirements, you’ll be going into this call with a high chance of reaping a sweet reward — zero percent interest for 12 months!
Be Polite and Firm
You’re about to make the call, but your palms are sweating, and your stomach is in knots — what exactly are you supposed to say?
Follow this script:
Ring Ring Ring
Discover Agent: “Thanks for calling Discover. What can I assist you with today?”
You: “Nothing too crazy. I’m checking to see if there are any promotional offers on my account. I’ve wanted to use my Discover card more lately and maximize the benefits.”
Discover: “Sure, let me check on that for you.”
Jeopardy music plays
Discover: “Looks like we can offer you zero percent interest for the next 12 months, applied to future purchases and with terms and conditions. Would you like that?”
You: “Yes, please!”
Try, Try, Again
Ideally, the scenario should play out exactly like I’ve described above, with minor discrepancies in language and timing. But what if they don’t offer it to you, counteroffer with something else, or flat out say no?
You try, try, again.
If they say you’re not eligible, be firm and ask again. Two times.
The script below is what it will look like if you get “no” as an answer for both, but be aware that either attempt could turn into a “yes.”
You: “Are you sure? I just had a friend who qualified for this and is now using his/her/their Discover card to finance some large electronics purchases. I’d love to be able to do the same.”
Discover: “No, sorry. Doesn’t look like it today.”
You: “Gotcha. I’d love to have zero percent interest for the next twelve months so I can rely on Discover as my daily credit card. Is it possible to apply for this promotion?”
Discover: “Unfortunately, no. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
You only know once you try!
If the answer is repeatedly “no,” proceed to ask any other questions you have about your account before thanking them for their time and for helping you out.
In one month (next billing cycle), repeat the process.
Terms and Conditions
While having zero percent interest is sweet, it should be the default if you’re using credit responsibly.
It’s also important to note that Discover can yank this sweet promotion from your darling little hands at any time, so you still have to abide by some rules.
In general, if you make the minimum payment each billing cycle, don’t go crazy with whopper charges on a daily basis, and have no late payments, you should be golden.
You’ll have access to a zero-percent personalized loan up to your current credit limit.
All by asking Discover if there’s something they could do for you!
There is literally no better deal in the financial world.
Feel free to ask questions/comment in the discussion below.
I am not a licensed financial advisor and cannot give financial advice. This article is based on my experiences with Discover and tips I’ve shared with friends/family. It works like a charm, most times. By the time you read this article, Discover may have eliminated the offer, changed the conditions, or who knows what else!
