How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt: A 5-Step Guide
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Credit card debt is surging.
Balances in the U.S. rose to $1.14 trillion in the second quarter in 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data.
Among households that had credit card debt in December 2023, the average amount was $21,367, according to a NerdWallet study on credit card debt.
If you're among those with credit card debt and you're ready to lower it or pay it off, we have a five-step guide to give you some options.
1. Find a payment strategy or two
Consider these methods to help you pay off your credit card debt faster. Having a concrete repayment goal and strategy will help keep you — and your credit card debt — in check.
Pay more than minimums
Credit card issuers give you a monthly minimum payment, often 2% of the balance. Remember, though: Banks make money off the interest they charge each billing period, so the longer it takes you to pay, the more money they make, and the more you end up paying.
The average amount of credit card interest being paid is rising as a result of Federal Reserve rate increases and rising amounts of revolving credit card debt.
Look on your credit card bill for a “Minimum Payment Warning,” which will have a table showing how long it would take to pay off your balance if you paid only minimums — and how much interest you'd pay.
» MORE: Get your free credit score from NerdWallet.
Take the debt snowball approach
The debt snowball method of paying down your debt uses your sense of accomplishment as motivation. You prioritize your debts by amount, then focus on wiping out the smallest one first. When you’ve paid off that, you roll that payment into the amount you’re paying toward the next smallest, and so on. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, you’ll gradually make bigger and bigger payments, ultimately eliminating your debt.
Use the debt avalanche method
Similar to the snowball approach, the debt avalanche approach starts with listing your debts. But instead of paying off your credit card with the lowest balance first, you pay off the card with the highest interest rate. It can be a faster, and cheaper, method than the snowball method.
Automate your payments
Automating your payments is an easy way to make sure your debts are being paid so you avoid racking up additional costs in late fees. And if you’re neurodiverse and struggle with forgetfulness or procrastination, automating your payments can be especially helpful.
If you’re practicing a debt snowball or debt avalanche approach, however, you will have to be a little more hands-on to make sure you’re contributing exactly what you want to each account. Before you automate your payments, make sure that you have a steady enough cash flow to avoid overdraft charges.
2. Consider debt consolidation
If your credit is good but your debt payments feel overwhelming, consider consolidating them into one account. That way, you only have to make one payment each month to chip away at the balance.
Look into 0% balance transfer credit cards
It might seem counterintuitive to apply for a credit card when your main goal is to get out of credit card debt, but 0% balance transfer cards can help save you money in the long run. Find a card that offers a long 0% introductory period — preferably 15 to 18 months — and transfer some or all of your outstanding credit card debt to that one account. You'll have one simple payment each month, and you won’t pay interest.
» COMPARE: The best 0% balance transfer cards
Consider a personal loan
Similarly, you can take out a fixed-rate debt consolidation loan to pay off your debt. Although you will have to pay interest, interest rates for personal loans tend to be lower than for credit cards, which can still help you save some extra cash. Use a debt consolidation calculator to estimate your savings.
» COMPARE: The best debt consolidation loans
3. Work with your creditors
Reach out to your creditors to explain your situation. A credit card issuer may be willing to negotiate payment terms or offer a hardship program, especially if you’re a longtime customer with a good track record of payments.
If your issuer offers a hardship program, it may provide relief when circumstances beyond your control, such as unemployment or illness affect your ability to manage payments. Even if you aren’t experiencing unemployment or illness, inflation is causing hardship for many people. According to the NerdWallet survey, costs have gone up 20% since 2019, but median income has only gone up up 12%.
Whether you negotiate with your issuer or accept the terms of a hardship program, either option could lead to more affordable interest rates or waived fees, depending on the issuer.
These small changes might be just enough to help you get a handle on your debt, and the worst that can happen is they say no.
4. Seek help through debt relief
If the total amount you owe is more than you can pay each month and you’re really struggling to get your debt under control, it may be time to take some more serious steps. Consider debt relief options, such as bankruptcy or a debt management plan.
Think about a debt management plan
Debt management plans are created with the help of a credit counseling agency. Counselors negotiate new terms with your creditors and consolidate your credit card debt. You’ll then pay the counseling agency a fixed rate each month. Your credit accounts may be closed, and you may have to forgo new ones for a period of time.
Consider filing for bankruptcy
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out unsecured debt such as credit cards, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you restructure debts into a payment plan over three to five years and may be best if you have assets you want to retain.
Bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for seven to 10 years, though your credit score is likely to bounce back in the months after filing. It’s also possible to use bankruptcy to erase student loan debt and older tax debt, but can be difficult.
Decide if you want to pursue debt settlement
Under debt settlement, a creditor agrees to accept less than the amount you owe. Typically, you hire a debt settlement company to negotiate with creditors on your behalf. Read more details on how debt settlement works and the risks you face.
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5. Lower your living expenses
While you are taking some or all of these steps to pay off your credit card debt, it’s beneficial to look for ways to lower your living expenses. Doing so may help you free up more money to put toward eliminating your credit card debt.
Some ways to lower your living expenses include:
Negotiate with your service providers to get a better deal on internet, cell phone service, car insurance and more.
Prioritize free or low-cost experiences, among other frugal-living hacks.
Set and stick to financial boundaries.
