Barclays Platinum - "no can do" on lowering rate?

elle_gee

I've got a Barclays Platinum which I've had since about April 2007. The limit is £2k but I've only ever used it to £1.6k (actually £1.1k on purchases, then got that down to £400 using Egg card below and then took on a debt belonging to my boyfriend of £1.2k).

It was supposed to be 0% but I got my payment dates mixed up, missed the first payment so the rate was upped to 14.9%. I was late with the third payment (just forgetful!) but have paid that last 7/8 on direct debit of £50/mth, so over the minimum.

I've just phoned to ask if my rate could be reduced any but got a flat no - apparently Platinum is the best rate they do (at 14.9%?!). I just spoke to the first person I got through to.

I want to increase my DD to £80 too but apparently I can't do that until three days after my next payment is taken, so 14th March. I was hoping that would show I was committed to pay it off!

Any ideas? Has anyone else had any success with getting their rate lowered? Should I have spoken to someone else?

Any other ideas? I've just got an Egg card but that's up to it's limit of £750. That's on 0% (and I got £20 for going through Quidco!) and I've put it straight on DD too so can't make the same mistake again! I have applied for other cards too (to balance transfer - don't want to run up any more debt, just want a better rate whilst I clear it!) but keep getting rejected. Not applying for any more now.

elle_gee

bump :j

Anyone?