In the past, it has been easy to handle different situations that may arise with your credit card company. The simplest solution has been to get a new credit card. However, with the newest credit crunch, this is no longer an option.

You do have several options if your credit card company cuts your credit limit. Don’t just “take it” because a lower credit limit can hurt your credit score. Here’s how you can fight back.

1. Fight back. First of all, fight back. If you limit gets lowered, call the credit card company immediately and try to negotiate a higher limit. Make sure you point out that you have a spotless payment history. They also need to understand that you used to have “healthy” debt to credit ratio. Don’t just talk to the first person you reach. Ask for supervisor after supervisor until you’ve worked your way up the ladder.

2. Pay it off. If your credit score drops because your credit card company lowered your credit limit, pay off the balance as quickly as possible. Your credit score probably dropped because there isn’t as much available credit anymore. Pay down the balance and get that ‘available credit’ open.

3. Request a limit increase. Just because you’ve taken a hit with one credit card doesn’t mean you have to take a hit with all of them. Call the other companies and request a credit limit increase. You have to be extremely careful with this, because if it backfires, it could damage your credit score more than help it. If the company does a “soft inquiry” by not pulling a new copy of your credit report, your score won’t be affected. However, if it does a “hard inquiry” by pulling a new copy of your credit history, it could lower your credit score for an entire year. If you can request a limit increase online, it is probably a “soft inquiry.”

4. Open a new credit card. This option isn’t for everyone. Your credit score has to be fairly good these days open another (just because your current credit card company lowered your limit). Your credit report will take a short-term hit because of the inquiry and the new line of credit.

5. Do NOT cancel the card. Many people make this mistake by trying to get even with the other credit card company. Don’t do this. Simply don’t use the card. Having that card available, yet empty, will help your credit score.

Don’t let your credit card company lower your credit limit without a fight. Take a stance. Follow these steps to preserve your credit score and available credit limit.