Who sends it: Your credit card company, at least 45 days before a significant change.
What this notice is
When a card company makes a significant change to your account, federal rules say it must tell you 45 days in advance. Significant changes include raising certain interest rates or fees, raising the minimum payment, or changing the grace period or how interest is figured.
The notice often comes with your statement or as a separate letter or email. Changes to rewards, like points or cash back, may not get this 45-day notice.
What to check
- Which rate or fee is changing, and the new amount
- The date the change takes effect
- Whether it applies only to new purchases. Card companies generally cannot raise the rate on your existing balance, with some exceptions, such as being more than 60 days late on a payment.
- How to reject the change, and the deadline to do it
Your right to say no
For many changes, such as a higher interest rate, you can reject the new terms before they take effect. The notice explains how. If you reject, the company may close the card to new purchases. You then pay off the balance under the old terms, and the company cannot make you pay it all at once.
Closing a card can affect your credit score, so weigh that too.
What to do
- Decide whether you still want the card under the new terms.
- If you carry a balance, think about paying it down faster or comparing other options.
- To reject, follow the steps in the notice before the deadline. Write down the date and the name of anyone you spoke with.
- If you keep the card and accept the change, you do not need to do anything.
- If you have questions, call the number on the back of your card.
How to tell a real one from a fake
A real notice comes with your statement or in the company's own website or app. It never asks for your full card number, PIN or a code sent to your phone.
Scam calls and texts sometimes say your rate is going up and offer to lower it for a fee. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card. Report problems at consumerfinance.gov.
Have one in front of you?
Take a clear photo and text it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093. He tells you in plain words what it says, what it wants from you, and anything that looks wrong. How to take a clear photo.
This page explains what this kind of letter usually means. Your letter is the final word on your dates and amounts. For a decision about taxes, health coverage or a legal matter, call the office that sent it, using the number on its official website, or ask a professional you trust.
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Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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