How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Now: 5 Strategies That Work

Credit card debt is falling.

Balances in the U.S. fell to $1.18 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data^[0]

If you want to be one of those people getting out of credit card debt, explore these options.

For input from Redditors: We sifted through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about getting out of credit card debt. We used an AI tool to help analyze the feedback and then summarized insight. People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.

1. Tackle credit card payments strategically

Pay more than minimums on your credit card bills

Credit card issuers give you a monthly minimum payment, often around 2% of the balance. In the first quarter of 2025, about 1 in 10 cardholders were making only the minimum payment each month^[0]

Remember: 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.

Start small: The debt snowball approach

The debt snowball method of paying down your debt uses your sense of accomplishment as motivation.

You organize your debts by amount, then focus on wiping out the smallest one first, while paying minimums on the rest. When you’ve paid off that debt, you roll that payment into the amount you’re paying toward the next-smallest debt, and so on.

Like a snowball rolling down a hill, you’ll gradually make bigger and bigger payments, ultimately eliminating your debt.

Pay less interest: Try the debt avalanche method

Similar to the snowball approach, the debt avalanche method 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 credit card payments

Automating your payments is an easy way to make sure your debts are being paid so you avoid late fees. 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.

What Redditors say: Users say the debt avalanche may be better for people who are numbers-oriented and favor a logical approach. The debt snowball may work better for people who want psychological wins. But overall, the best method is the one you can actually stick to.

2. Contact your credit card issuers for help

Reach out to your creditors to explain your situation. A credit card issuer may be willing to drop your interest rate or waive fees, especially if you’re a longtime customer with a good track record of payments.

What Redditors say: Some people say they’ve had success getting a credit card company to lower interest rates just by calling and asking. But they also emphasize that if you don’t change your spending habits, a lower rate won’t solve your problem.

Hardship programs are another option, and 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, the cost of living can cause hardship for many people.

One caveat: Participating in a hardship program can temporarily affect your credit score, but if it makes it possible for you to make on-time payments and get your balance down, the end result may be positive.

3. Simplify and save with debt consolidation

If your payments feel overwhelming, consider consolidating your credit card debts into one account, ideally with a lower interest rate. That way, you only have to make one payment each month to chip away at the balance. It’s easier to get approved, or get a low rate, if you have good credit.

Look into 0% balance transfer credit cards

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 as long as you pay the balance before the introductory period ends.

What Redditors say: Users warn that 0% cards often come with a 3% to 5% balance transfer fee, and you’ll need a high enough credit score to qualify for the card. They also suggest that you should have a plan to pay the full balance before the introductory rate ends.

» 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. Interest rates for personal loans tend to be lower than for credit cards, which may still help you save some extra cash. Use our calculator below to decide if debt consolidation would save you money.

» COMPARE: The best debt consolidation loans

4. Consider professional debt relief options

If you’re really struggling to get your debt under control, it may be time to take some more serious steps with debt relief options.

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 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.

What Redditors say: Users stress that recovery from bankruptcy requires careful financial planning and discipline.

» MORE: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 bankruptcy

Weigh the risks of debt settlement

Under debt settlement, a creditor agrees to accept less than the amount you owe. Typically, you hire a debt settlement company negotiate with creditors on your behalf. This option can be expensive and it isn’t guaranteed to work. Read more on how debt settlement works, and the risks you face.

5. Cut spending to pay off credit card debt faster

Alongside paying off your credit card debt with the methods above, it’s also helpful to look for ways to lower your bills and other living expenses. Doing so may free up more money to put toward wiping out your existing credit card debt and keep you from taking on more 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.

• Learn how to set a budget and stick to it.

What Redditors say: Many users recommend putting credit cards away while you’re paying them off, living frugally and starting a side hustle or getting a second job to help pay down debt faster.