How to negotiate bills to save money
Negotiating a bill is a short, polite request backed by a few facts. We cannot tell you how much you will save, and we do not use averages: results depend on your provider and plan. What we can give you is a method and templates you can adapt.
Before you call
- Find the numbers. Your current monthly price, what is included, your contract end date and any early termination fee.
- Check for a promotion that ended. Compare this month’s bill with the one from a year ago.
- Get one or two competing offers. Note the provider, the plan and the monthly price, including fees and when any introductory price ends.
- Decide your goal. A lower price, a cheaper plan with what you actually use, or a fee removed. Decide what you would accept and whether you are willing to switch.
- Block time. You may be on hold. Do it when you are not rushed.
Call script templates
Replace the [brackets] with your details. Stay calm and polite; keep notes.
1. The opening
“Hi, I’m calling about my account, [account number or phone]. I’m reviewing my monthly costs and I’d like to see if there’s a lower price or a better plan for me. Can you help with that?”
2. Asking about your current price
“I’m paying [$ amount] a month for [plan]. I noticed [the price went up / my promotion ended]. Are there any current offers or plans I qualify for?”
3. Using a competing offer
“[Provider] is offering [plan] for [$ amount] a month. I’d prefer to stay with you. Is there anything you can do to bring my price closer to that?”
4. Removing a fee or an item
“There’s a [fee name] of [$ amount] on my bill. Can you tell me what it covers, and whether it can be removed or reduced?”
5. If the first person cannot help
“I understand. Is there someone who handles account reviews or retention that I could speak with?”
6. Closing and confirming
“Thank you. To confirm: my new price will be [$ amount] a month, starting [date], for [length], and the price after that will be [$ amount]. Can you give me a reference number and send that to me in writing?”
Insurance variation
“I’d like a review of my policy. Can you check for any discounts I may qualify for, and tell me what changing my deductible from [$ amount] to [$ amount] would do to the premium?”
Keep the coverage you need. A lower premium is not a saving if the gap would cost you more later.
After the call
- Write down the date, the person’s name, what was agreed and the reference number.
- Check the next bill. If it does not match what you were told, contact them again with your notes.
- Put the new monthly amount in your dated savings plan so the saving has a destination.
- Set a calendar reminder for when any promotional price ends.
If the answer is no
Compare the total cost of switching, including setup or exit fees. If switching still costs less, make sure the new service covers your address and needs before cancelling the old one. Other ideas are in how to cut expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Will calling really lower my bill?
Sometimes, sometimes not. It depends on the company, your plan and your account history, so we do not promise or estimate a saving. The only cost of asking is your time.
Which bills are worth a call?
Recurring bills with a competitive market or an expiring promotion: internet, phone, TV, insurance. Also check for billing errors on any bill.
What if they say no?
Ask whether there is another plan, thank them, and try again another day or via another channel. You can also decide to switch providers, after checking any contract exit fee.
Should I call or use chat?
Use whichever lets you keep a record. Chat gives you a transcript. For calls, write down the date, name and any reference number.
How do I track the result?
Record the old and new monthly amounts, then enter the new figure in the dated savings plan.