Can a First Premier Hardship Program Help With Credit Card Payments?
Financial setbacks can make a normal credit card payment difficult. Therefore, contacting First PREMIER early may help you understand account-specific payment options.
A First Premier Hardship program may address one account. However, consumers with several credit cards may need a broader solution.
Free initial consultation • No new loan • No obligation to enroll
How to Ask About a First Premier Hardship Program
If you expect trouble making the required payment, contact First PREMIER as soon as possible. Because account options can vary, an early conversation may help you understand what is available.
Explain why your financial situation changed. Then ask whether First PREMIER offers payment assistance or another arrangement for your circumstances.
First Premier Hardship Program Customer Care
First PREMIER lists this number for its credit card customers. Therefore, it is a logical starting point for payment-assistance questions.
800-987-5521When to Contact First PREMIER Customer Service
First PREMIER lists weekday and Saturday customer-service hours in Central Time. As a result, plan your call around those posted hours.
Mon–Fri: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.Sat: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Online Account and Payment Support
Cardholders can also access payment and account tools online. In addition, the site provides contact information and support resources.
Visit PREMIER Bankcard →How Could a First Premier Hardship Program Work?
First PREMIER does not publicly list one universal hardship plan with guaranteed terms for every cardholder. Therefore, available assistance may depend on your account and current circumstances.
During the call, ask the representative to explain each available option. However, do not agree to new terms until you understand the required payment.
First Premier Hardship Program Payment Terms
Confirm the monthly payment, due date and length of any arrangement. For example, ask whether the payment changes later.
First Premier Hardship Program Interest and Fees
Find out whether the APR or account fees will change. In addition, ask how long any change will remain in effect.
First Premier Hardship Program Account Status
Ask whether the card will remain available for purchases. However, the account could become restricted under some arrangements.
Preparing for a First Premier Hardship Program Request
A few minutes of preparation can make the conversation more productive. Therefore, review your current payment and household income before calling.
Next, identify how much you can realistically pay each month. Because your budget matters, avoid agreeing to a payment you cannot sustain.
Information to Gather Before You Call
- Your current monthly payment
- Your approximate monthly income
- Your essential household expenses
- The reason your financial situation changed
Important Questions to Ask First PREMIER
- What payment options are available?
- Will the interest rate change?
- Will any fees continue?
- How long will the arrangement last?
When a First Premier Hardship Program May Not Be Enough
Direct assistance may help with your First PREMIER account. However, it does not automatically address cards from other lenders.
For example, you may also owe Capital One, Citi, Discover, Synchrony or Chase. As a result, several separate payment arrangements can become difficult to manage.
Nonprofit credit counseling may provide a broader review. Therefore, a counselor can look at your debts and household budget together.
First Premier Hardship Program and Other Repayment Options
First Premier Hardship Program Direct Assistance
Ask whether account-specific payment help can make the obligation more manageable. However, confirm all terms before agreeing.
Continue Your Current Payoff Plan
Consumers with enough room in their budgets may increase monthly payments. As a result, they may reduce the balance faster.
First Premier Hardship Program vs. Debt Management
A DMP may offer a coordinated approach when several eligible credit cards create pressure. Therefore, it may deserve comparison.
Could a First Premier Hardship Program Be Less Complete Than a DMP?
A Debt Management Program can help consumers address several qualifying unsecured debts through one structured plan. However, it does not replace your debt with a new loan.
Participating creditors may offer reduced interest rates or other concessions under their current guidelines. As a result, the program may reduce payment pressure across several accounts.
You generally make one scheduled payment to the credit counseling agency. The agency then distributes funds to participating creditors.
First Premier Hardship Program vs. Debt Management Program
Both approaches may help with payment pressure. However, direct creditor assistance focuses mainly on the First PREMIER account.
A Debt Management Program can potentially include several eligible accounts. Therefore, comparing both approaches may help you see the bigger picture.
| Feature | First PREMIER Assistance | Debt Management Program |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Your First PREMIER account | Multiple eligible unsecured debts |
| New loan required? | No | No |
| Payment changes | Depend on available account assistance | Depend on participating creditor guidelines |
| Interest concessions | Ask First PREMIER about available terms | Participating creditors determine concessions |
| Multiple creditors | Focuses on the First PREMIER account | May coordinate several qualifying accounts |
| Budget review | Not the main purpose of creditor assistance | Part of nonprofit credit counseling |
Debt Management Options When You Have Multiple Cards
One reduced credit card payment may help. However, your total monthly debt cost often matters more.
For example, reviewing several accounts together may reveal a better repayment strategy. Therefore, DebtWave's calculator can help you compare estimated DMP terms.
Have Several Credit Cards?
Compare your current payments with a potential Debt Management Program before deciding what to do next.
First Premier Hardship Program Help From a Credit Counselor
DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In addition, we have provided credit counseling and financial education since 2001.
DebtWave is also a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. However, speaking with a counselor does not require enrollment in a DMP.
Your counselor can review balances, payments, interest rates and household expenses. As a result, you can compare options using your full financial picture.
First Premier Hardship Program FAQs
Consumers often have questions about payment assistance. Therefore, the answers below cover several common First PREMIER concerns.
Does First PREMIER have a hardship program?
First PREMIER may offer account-specific assistance when a cardholder has trouble making payments. However, the company does not publicly advertise one universal plan with identical terms for every account. Therefore, call customer service and ask which options currently apply.
What number should I call for First PREMIER payment help?
First PREMIER lists 800-987-5521 for credit card customer service. Therefore, use that number to ask about available payment assistance.
Should I call before I miss a payment?
Reaching out early may give you more time to review your choices. For example, you can ask about options before the account becomes more delinquent.
Can a First Premier Hardship program lower my payment?
The available terms depend on the assistance First PREMIER offers for your account. Therefore, ask for the exact payment, start date and duration before agreeing.
First Premier Hardship Program Interest, Fees and Account Status
Can First PREMIER lower my interest rate?
Do not assume that payment assistance automatically includes a lower APR. Instead, ask whether your rate changes and how long the new rate lasts.
Will First PREMIER waive fees?
Fee treatment can depend on the account and available assistance. Therefore, ask specifically which charges may continue during the arrangement.
Will my First PREMIER card stay open?
Account treatment can vary. For example, the card may remain open, become restricted or close under different arrangements.
Can I make extra payments during an arrangement?
Ask First PREMIER how additional payments work. In addition, confirm that extra amounts will reduce the balance as expected.
First Premier Hardship Program and Debt Management Programs
Can a First PREMIER account go on a Debt Management Program?
Some unsecured credit card accounts may qualify for a DMP. However, creditor participation and concessions can change. Therefore, a counselor should review your specific account first.
Does a DMP forgive First PREMIER debt?
Generally, no. Instead, a traditional DMP focuses on repaying enrolled balances through a structured plan.
Is a First Premier Hardship program better than a DMP?
The answer depends on your overall debt situation. For example, direct help may make sense when one account creates the main problem. However, a DMP may deserve consideration when several cards strain your budget.
Do I need a new loan for a Debt Management Program?
No. Instead, you repay participating debts through a structured payment plan administered by the credit counseling agency.
First Premier Hardship Program and Your Full Debt Picture
If First PREMIER is only one of several creditors, reviewing all of your debt together may provide a clearer picture. Therefore, consider looking beyond one account.
A DebtWave counselor can review your balances, payments and household budget. In addition, the consultation does not require a new loan or enrollment.