David Beren's 247wallst.com article explains that many credit card issuers offer hardship programs that can temporarily lower interest rates, waive fees, or reduce minimum payments, but issuers rarely advertise them, so cardholders must call and ask, ideally before missing a payment. The CFPB says many creditors will help even if you're current, though programs may freeze the card and affect credit scores, and the article points to nonprofit debt management plans and settlement as alternatives.