Debt Consolidation

Can I pay off credit cards and ask for some interest to be knocked off?

I am going to pay off 4 credit cards. I want to pay these off and close the accounts and will cut up the cards. When I call to do this, I want to ask if they can knock off some of the interest since I am paying them off. Also I have some late fees applied to them. Do you think they will do that? How should I ask? Thanks.

Tags: credit cards, late fees

How to pay off credit cards enrolled in a debt management program?

I have been in a debt management program with a local credit counseling service for about 8 months. My parents have offered to co-sign a loan so I can pay off the cards. The loan with the bank is a lower interest rate than the cards and will pay them off faster with a lower payment each month. Should I pay the cards directly or go through the credit counseling service? Which is better for my credit score?

Tags: cards, credit counseling service, credit score, debt management program, interest rate, parents