Money Fix: When credit card firms say no

They say everything is negotiable. But when it comes to your credit card company, they'll bend here and there, but some requests are likely to receive a resounding no.

Here's where it's hardest to play ball:

Extending introductory offers. Think you can ask for an extension of that wonderful zero-percent interest for six months? Think again. "These are to lure you in. Most credit card companies don't expect you to actually pay off the full amount of your debt in that time and expect to make money off of you once the introductory offer expires," says Adrian Nazari, chief executive of Credit Sesame in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Increasing your credit limit due to financial hardship. "The credit card company will see this as a red flag and think you're more likely to default. Not only will they likely say no, they may actually cut your credit limit to reduce their risk," says Nazari.

Routinely dropping late fees. "If you're late once in a blue moon, you might get your late fee credited. But if you're habitually late, good luck," says John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at SmartCredit.com.

Reducing your balance. "Much depends on when you call. If your account is several months past due and on the brink of charge-off, they may do a settlement," says David Flores, GreenPath New York regional manager in Jericho. However, "If you're up to date with the account, the creditor has no interest in reducing the amount of debt you owe, because you have been able to pay."