This is the rate of interest at which the financier is willing to do business. For example, a financier may be willing to provide car loans at a base rate of 10.5% to 11% per year. This rate is generally fixed and cannot be negotiated. Most financiers operate at similar base rates. However, financiers generally provide "interest rate breaks" to the extent of 0.5% to 1% per year for customers who have an existing relationship with them, a credit card issued by them or an income level that is higher than their eligibility requirement. Contrary to popular belief, reduction of a customer's car loan interest rate is achieved as a result of financial contributions provided by other players such as the manufacturers, dealers or sales agents, and not the financier except for the "interest rate breaks".