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5 Ways to Consolidate Credit Card Debt
Lead Writer | Buy now, pay later loans, debt consolidation, personal loans
Lead Assigning Editor | Consumer lending
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
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Many people struggle with credit card debt at one point or another, and the higher your balances, the harder it can be to pay them off, especially when you consider compounding interest.
Consolidation is a way to move high-interest debt onto a lower-interest product, like a balance transfer credit card or a credit card consolidation loan, which then makes it easier to pay off. But this strategy isn’t for everyone, and you should weigh your consolidation options carefully.
The best choice will depend on how much debt you have, your credit score and other factors explained below.
on SoFi's website
on SoFi's website
Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
Here are five effective and safe ways to pay off your credit card debt:
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- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- Ages 65 to 74
- Pros of limited partnership
- Venmo Credit Card
- Our pick for: General travel
- Liability coverage
- 1. Use a CD ladder
- 2. Research index funds
- Whole life insurance rates for smokers
- Purchasing a Plumeria Lounge day pass
- 4. Make the trade
- 5. Focus on the long term
- Emirates Skywards
- After you're approved for Global Entry
- 15. Melting Pot
- WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?
- Fare flexibility/ticket changes
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- Travel
- Medicare
- 5. Measure your returns against a fitting benchmark
- American Airlines
- Step 3: Set up your business
- VA cash-out refinance
- Plan G vs. Plan N
- Is a large network important?
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- 9. Complimentary Shoprunner membership
- 2. Managing money
- The magic of compound growth
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- 5. Upwork
- 7. Hardship withdrawals
- Keep credit accounts open
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- 12. Tax consulting
- 5. Money market funds
- Native American Direct Loan
- WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- 4. Price your product
- California car insurance rates after a speeding ticket by company: 20-year-old drivers
- Competition remains steady
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- Eureka
- Government-backed loans
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 20-year-olds with poor credit
- 3. Gather necessary documents before you apply
- Place a debit card hold
- Find tax software that works for your situation
- Home staging
- 2. Time it right
- 5. Get insured
- If you have private student loans
- How much is Max?
- Out of network
- Transfer ratios might vary by credit card
- 1. Get a grasp on your new budget
- Iberia Plus
- SBA loans
- 1. Review your W-4
- 10. $189 Clear credit
- Can I get a pre-purchase inspection?
- South America
- Check-in
- Which is easiest to qualify for?
- 13. Sell zero-waste products
- 14. 401(k) contributions deduction
- 8. JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot, Santa Monica, California
- Government bonds
- Money Manager
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 20-year-olds with poor credit
- Get your finances in order
- Resident status rules
- 1. Restricting regulations
- 2017 credit card bonus categories
- 6. Pick your investments
- Home maintenance and repair services
- Consider how much you’ll need to borrow
- 6. Brand your bakery
- How Tesla Insurance works
- Public non-traded REITs
- Cons of limited partnership
- 9. Podcasting
- American Express travel insurance disclosures
- 6. Website: Around $40 per month
- 2. Open a no-penalty CD
- National Processing
- 3. IDENTITYFORCE ULTRASECURE+CREDIT
- Why you might not want to roll a 401(k) to an IRA
- 6. Book hotel suites
- Individual gold stocks
- 7. Landline only operates two routes — for now
- 5. Instant redemption
- Etihad Guest
- 16. Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Baggage and boarding
- Develop good credit habits
- Chick-fil-A
- Down payments and gift funds
- Technology business ideas for women
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- Fleet expense management tools
- Coinbase Wallet: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- 6. Future plans
- Average annual car insurance costs from large companies
- Nevada
- Limit orders
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Space out credit applications
- Military Entrepreneur Challenge
- Security
- Is the Buffett indicator high or low right now?
- Travel credits
- 9. Take surveys
- Appraisal fee
- 5. Do a final check
- 3. Loan processing takes over
- 4. Open your account
- Loans for buying other businesses
- 4. Use gifting
- In case of medical emergencies
- 5. Offer memberships
- 5. Global Entry/TSA Precheck application reimbursement
- Is the Lifetime Learning Credit refundable?
- 2. Is now the right time to buy bonds?
- You enjoy the red carpet treatment
- Think twice before paying taxes with a credit card
- 7. Secure startup funding
- How to get an extension
- 3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits
- Ledger
- 1. Avoid filing your tax return on paper
- 8. Use a do-over
- Taxes
- Watch the calendar
- Venmo Small Business Grant
- Parent PLUS loans
- 11. Reimbursement of application fees for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
- United Airlines
- Security screening
- Property standards
- 14. Make products for pets
- 3. Add back certain deductions particular to MAGI
- If you want to help your credit
- Perks await when you fly economy with elite status
- Bank certificates of deposit, or CDs
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- 6. You can add different types of authorized users
- 7. Invest to build your future goals
- Reimbursement
- Earning Loyalty Points through American Airlines credit cards
- Shop around for lenders
- A word about IRA eligibility
- 2016 credit card bonus categories
- How it works
- Cash back sign-up bonus
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- Open a business bank account and credit card
- Set a price alert
- Verizon Visa® Card
- InboxDollars Surveys
- Look at nonchain hotels
- Portion of buyer’s closing costs
- 3. Try a bump-up CD
- 5. 11 nights at the Courtyard Istanbul West, Turkey
- Automatic Hilton Honors™ Diamond elite status
- Easy to take your business online, especially for Square POS users
- Mortgage Credit Certificate
- How much is Apple TV+?
- 1. Automate transfers
- What I wish I'd done differently
- Iberia Plus Avios
- What happens if you are declined?
- Tax credits for low-to-middle-income households
- 17. P.F. Chang’s
- 5. Manage your mutual fund portfolio
- Calculating miles you’ll earn on an Alaska flight
- 6. Keep your perspective
- Shopping for better savings rates
- FHA home improvement loans
- Plan G vs. Plan F
- 4. Invest for growth
- Tactic 3: Use your military benefits
- 15. Saver’s credit
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- New Hampshire
- Double-check your coverage
- 8. Emergency savings
- Monitor your credit reports
- Have an estate plan in place
- 13. PR agency
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- Discount points
- 6. Priority Pass Select
- San Francisco Marriott hotels
- 10. Streaming service
- NASCAR American Express Card
- 4. Apply online
- Medical payments coverage
- A few other fee-related details to note
- 3. Pick your index funds
- Best for
- 2. Get direct deposit
- Is Lightning Lane worth it?
- 6. Get a business checking account and credit card
- Set cash aside
- 6. Take advantage where you can
- Seniors that are good drivers
- 2. Call your issuer
- Seat selection
- USDA Loans
- 2. Make sure your bonus is actually taxable
- 12. Up to $100 in statement credits annually at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Medi-Cal
- Europe
- Know your health insurance terms
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- 15. Create custom clothing
- How quickly could the IRS implement the child tax credit expansion?
- 9. Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection, San Diego
- Customer support
- AndroMoney
- Drawbacks
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- 10. Search for regular jobs for kids
- 4. The underwriter makes a decision based on your documentation
- 2015 credit card bonus categories
- Automobile maintenance and repair
- Identify grants that are suited to your business
- What else to know
- 5. Find your customers
- Private REITs
- Air Canada Aeroplan Points
- Rebook if you find a cheaper price
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 20-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- Consider vacation rentals
- No-exam life insurance rates for nonsmokers
- Marriott Hotels in Las Vegas
- Free version with lots of features
- 4. Debit card
- Gold stock ETFs
- Qantas Airways
- 18. Pinkberry
- Invest in your financial future
- Stocks
- For booking travel experiences beyond the cruise: TripAdvisor
- Appendix: How the math works in our examples
- Understand what your credit card insurance will (or won’t) cover
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- 16. Health savings account contributions deduction
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 8. Grow your financial well-being
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 20-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- Dividend yield
- Get prequalified
- Part-year resident status rules
- 6. High-yield savings accounts
- 5. Kiwi
- How do I open a Roth IRA at Vanguard?
- Look for outside funding
- WWE Credit Card
- Google Opinion Rewards
- Houston Hyatt hotels
- Use your refund to pay down debt
- 7. Office furniture and supplies: 10% of your total budget
- Home equity loan
- Potential drawback
- 3. Stay on top of things
- Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards
- 8. It's still a work in progress
- The Amplifier Grant
- Prudence's policy:
- 6. Respect other passengers' space
- Citi Prestige® Card
- Wingstop
- 3. Use tax deductions
- 13. Walmart+ Monthly Membership Credit
- The details
- FHA appraisal
- Frontier Airlines
- VA supplemental loans
- Trust Wallet: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- 1. Be concise
- 6. OfferUp
- South Dakota
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- How should investors use the Buffett indicator?
- 14. Professional organizing
- Escrow account funds
- 2. Initial cost
- 2014 credit card bonus categories
- 7. Elite status
- Prepared to put down roots?
- Examples of other Synchrony co-branded cards:
- 11. 3D printing
- 5. Avoid errors on your loan application
- 8. Market your business
- 6. Six nights at the Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand
- No-exam life insurance rates for smokers
- 5. Buy your home insurance policy and read it closely
- You can build your own software package
- How much is Peacock?
- Resident status rules
- Consider using a retirement account
- 2. Count your coins and bills
- Singapore Airlines
- 19. Pizza Hut
- 3. Agree only to terms you can afford
- Earning rates
- Equipment Financing
- An example of selling a call option
- How to maximize your rewards
- Compare Medigap plan types
- How much can you borrow?
- Benefits
- 16. Sell vintage clothing online
- 17. Self-employment expenses deduction
- Georgia Small Business Development Centers
- User experience
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- Best hotel credit card: Marriott Bonvoy
- Hire a builder
- 4. Set a budget for your stock market investment
- 4. Find your gate
- Confirm grant details
- Where to get it
- 7. Separate your business finances
- How much do I need to open a Vanguard Roth IRA?
- Pros of C corporation
- Vegas Golden Knights Credit Card
- Pros of a 203(k) loan
- 4. ID WATCHDOG PREMIUM
- 7. Get financing
- The risks and rewards of each
- 3 disadvantages of sole proprietorship
- Scenario: Doctor visits and an MRI
- Seniors with an at-fault accident
- 4. Contribute to a tax-advantaged account
- 1. Lower risk by building positions slowly
- Bonds
- Capital One
- Hawaiian Airlines
- FHA and VA energy-efficient loans
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- Higher premiums, more coverage
- Tax-efficient strategies
- Tennessee
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
- 1Money
- 15. Photography
- Earning Loyalty Points through other partners
- 5. Choose investments that match your tolerance for risk
- Estimate loan payments
- 5. Sell with TikTok Shop
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- Be flexible with destination, airport and dates
- 3. Which bonds are right for my portfolio?
- Swagbucks
- 8. Utilities: Around $2 per square foot of office space
- 4. Decide where to buy your index funds
- A complimentary night at almost any Hilton property
- 4. One more thing to know about your tax refund
- How much is Prime Video?
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 20. Red Robin
- Earning as a Mileage Plan elite
- Drawbacks
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- 17. Begin niche blogging
- 5. Keep your expenses in check
- If you want to resolve the default quickly or already rehabilitated the loan
- 18. Home office deduction
- Dollar-cost averaging
- File an appeal
- 10. Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Honolulu
- Corporate bonds
- Grow Georgia
- 9. Estate planning: Protect your financial well-being
- Reviews
- Flood determination and monitoring fees
- Get preapproved
- Nonresident status rules
- 5. Your loan is cleared to close
- Allianz Global Assistance
- If you refinance your original business loan
- 3. Ongoing investment
- Aim to save at least 10% to 15% of your pretax income
- 6. Get the logistics down
- Can I open a Roth IRA with Vanguard?
- Travel rewards sign-up bonus
- 2. Alternative credit cards
- 1. Choose to DIY or get some help
- Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
- Cons of C corporation
- 12. E-commerce
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 20-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- Cons of a 203(k) loan
- Call and ask
- 3. Find your vending machine
- Home equity line of credit
- Limited integrations with third-party marketplaces
- 1. No liability protection
- 3. Prep for grocery shopping
- What I wish I'd done differently
- Tax credits for investing in retirement
- 7. Have a backup plan ready
- Upgradeability
- Business Line of Credit
- 14. Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection at airports
- Africa
- Refinancing
- MetaMask: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- What to know about pre-qualifying with bad credit
- 2. Use bullet points
- How much is auto insurance after an at-fault accident?
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- Texas
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- How do you get a perfect credit score?
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 20-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- Dividend payout ratio
- 7. CDs
- Prepare and submit applications
- Is Tesla Insurance worth it?
- Best Friends Credit Card
- Our pick for: Fair credit
- Payday loans
- 7. Five nights at the JW Marriott Zhengzhou, China
- SAVE benefits available by October 2023
- Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
- 21. Starbucks
- 2. Ignore 'hot tips'
- Mutual funds
- Rural housing repair loans and grants
- When do you have to pay it back?
- Lower premiums, higher out-of-pocket
- 19. Educator expenses deduction
- Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- 16. Event space
- Airport lounge access
- Government recording fees
- Bonzah
- 5. Wait at the gate
- B2B administrative services
- How it works
- Who has the best IRA?
- How's your job security?
- Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
- 9. Payroll: 25% to 50% of your total budget
- Best for
- Few features for B2B or high-volume sellers
- How much is Sling TV?
- 5. Defer your bonus
- 15. Centurion Lounge Complimentary Guest Access
- Earning on partners
- Mortgage insurance
- To match with a vacation planner: Avoya Travel
- Middle East
- How to maximize your rewards
- 18. Become an e-book writer
- State Farm vs. Allstate home insurance
- 7. Poshmark
- Ask for another at-home visit
- 5. Build a community
- 11. Monetize your social media accounts
- Get final approval
- Points or loan origination fees
- 4. Potential for conflict
- 8. Secure business funding
- Avianca LifeMiles
- 8. Travel protections
- Pawnshop loans
- $400 Hilton resort statement credit
- How much does Disney Genie+ cost?
- Part-year resident status rules
- SAVE benefit starting in February 2024
- Scenario: Trip to the ER
- AeroMexico
- 22. Wingstop
- Save
- U.S. Bank FlexPerks Reserve Visa Signature, U.S. Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite and Crystal® Visa Infinite® Credit Card
- How to maximize your rewards
- 3. Speak to your audience
- 20. Solar tax credit
- Washington
- Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs
- Economic events
- 17. Interior decorating
- Loan-origination charges
- Property-based passive income ideas
- Rental Cover
- How much will you really need to retire?
- Pros
- Consider backup funding options
- 6. Monetize using the Series feature
- Is a Vanguard Roth IRA free?
- 10. Vacation rentals
- Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX)
- 13. Portable charging devices
- Spring road trip? Save money at the pump
- Cash-out refinance
- 8. Three nights at the Delta Hotels London Armouries, Ontario, Canada
- 5. Buy index funds
- Hilton Hotels in Las Vegas
- Potential drawback
- No option to choose your own payment processor
- 2. Harder to get financing and business credit
- 9. Bag transfers are seamless
- Seniors with a speeding ticket
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Exchange-traded funds
- Asia
- Home loans for Native American veterans
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- State Farm vs. USAA home insurance
- 12. Get paid to stream on Twitch
- 5. Focus on investing for the long-term
- 6. BookWithMatrix
- Sales and marketing
- What else to know
- Is an import/export business profitable?
- Premium travel rewards sign-up bonus
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 20-year-old drivers after a DUI
- Car title loans
- 5. Credit card
- How much is Fubo TV?
- SAVE benefits available by July 2024
- Cathay Pacific
- Tax credits for education
- 23. Red Lobster
- 16. Upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- 3. Keep good records for the IRS
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Electrum: 2.5 out of 5 stars
- 3. Building a budget
- 19. Start ghostwriting
- 21. Energy efficient home improvement tax credit
- Complain to the state insurance department
- Discover it® Cash Back
- Metro Atlanta Chamber
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 20-year-old drivers after a DUI
- Earnings
- Drawbacks
- 18. Woodworking or furniture building
- Hotel status
- Mortgage insurance or fees for government-backed loans
- Sure
- 5. Lack of financial privacy
- Cons
- How it works
- Are you financially prepared?
- 3. Student credit cards
- Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBIAX)
- Pros of S corporation
- Renting a car? Take advantage of rental insurance benefits
- Expand your coverage with endorsements
- Cryptocurrency pros
- Selling a put example
- $200 airline fee credit
- Attractions eligible for Genie+
- Our pick for: Customizable bonus categories
- 4. Minimize restaurant spending
- Section 184 Indian home loan
- Are the proceeds taxable?
- Wyoming
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- Complete financial plan and investment advice
- Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI
- 8. Buy a rental property
- 1. Decide what type of investor you are.
- 9. Decide on your menu
- How much is a Tesla?
- How do import/export companies make money?
- 11. Electronics repair
- 10. Professional consultants: Between $1,000 and $5,000 per year
- 9. Two nights at the AC Hotel New York Downtown
- BigCommerce: Better for omnichannel sales
- Earthquakes and landslides
- Nonresident status rules
- Invest
- 17. Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- Oceania
- 20. Become a resume writer
- 4. Play to your strengths
- Sample rates for return-of-premium life insurance
- 22. Electric vehicle tax credit
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
- 5. Optimize your stock portfolio
- Get an appraisal
- Startup Atlanta
- 2020-2022 earned income credit amounts
- Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGAX)
- Cons of S corporation
- 14. Publishing e-books
- 4. Explore your financing options
- Traveling abroad? Watch for foreign transaction fees
- Personal loan
- 6. Keep an eye on your index funds
- Seniors with a DUI
- Choice Hotels
- Is the interest paid tax-deductible?
- Lean FIRE
- State Farm vs. Progressive home insurance
- The 10 largest lottery jackpots
- 19. Graphic design
- Transfer partners
- Pest inspection
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- UNLOCK AIRPORT LOUNGES WITH THE RIGHT CARD
- Technology maintenance and repair services
- 7. Collect tips from viewers
- Where to get it
- What is an export license?
- Put money in a 401(k)
- Cryptocurrency cons
- Clear membership
- Wildfires
- 3. It’s harder to sell your business
- 24. American Eagle
- 18. Money-saving perks for stays booked through The Hotel Collection
- The details
- T-Mobile customers: Free in-flight text messaging and Wi-Fi on Gogo-enabled flights
- Home and property disaster loans
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- Conventional loans
- 21. Open a coworking space
- 5. Get a test reader
- Discover it® Chrome
- SCORE
- Specialized guidance and/or want to meet with an advisor face-to-face
- 9. Rent out your own house
- 1. Access to capital
- 6. Manage your stock portfolio
- Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (VSMAX)
- 10. Two nights at the JW Marriott Houston by the Galleria
- Shopify: Better for businesses without brick-and-mortar locations
- 5. Get discounts on entertainment
- Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Miles
- Earning as a Mosaic elite
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- Home purchase: Basic Home Mortgage 203(b)
- To book a vacation package with an airline or hotel
- Address any lingering questions
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- 6. Know when to sell stocks — and when not to
- Theft
- 20. Clothing boutique
- Prepaid expenses
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- 10. Obtain bakery equipment
- What documents do I need to import goods?
- 2. Know your own ESG criteria
- 15. Fitness tech
- Flooding
- 25. Anthropologie
- Pay off debt
- 19. Complimentary benefits through Fine Hotels & Resorts
- FHA loans for disaster victims
- 4. Saving money
- Average car insurance costs after a speeding ticket
- Fat FIRE
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- How it works
- Tesla repair costs
- 4. Store credit cards
- Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Texas for 30-year-olds
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Giving a laid-back loan
- FHA refinance loans
- FHA loans
- 22. Become an online coach
- Set aside time for grant activities
- Portfolio management only
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for 30-year-olds
- Natural disasters
- 21. Bed and breakfast
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- 10. Get a roommate
- 2. Efficient growth
- B2B legal services
- 12. Academics courses
- Put money in an IRA
- 11. One night at the Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya, Israel
- Is Genie+ worth it?
- 6. Map out major purchases
- Hilton Honors
- Tax credits for green purchases
- 26. Banana Republic
- For credit scores of 690 or higher
- Barista FIRE
- Try mediation
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Card ecosystem
- Tax monitoring and research fees
- 6. Board the airplane
- What else to know
- 3. Choose ESG investments
- Pros of LLC
- 16. Online teaching
- 11. Insurance: Average of $1,200 per year
- Up to $100 Hilton on-property credit
- Shift4Shop: Better for wholesale or B2B companies
- 8. Hire staff
- Setting up joint bank accounts
- 23. Flip failing websites
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
- Be selective in your applications
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- 22. Food truck
- California adoption cost tax credit
- Alternative investment passive income ideas
- 2. Choose how much you want to invest.
- Find your niche
- How it works
- 11. Price your products
- 6. Mobile via IRS2Go
- 1. What does "sole proprietor" mean?
- 27. DSW
- How much are car insurance quotes?
- Repeat
- 20. Free shipping with ShopRunner
- Ledger: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- Title-related costs
- 3. Minimal employee supervision
- 5. Authorized user credit cards
- Cons of LLC
- 17. Mobile application development
- Winter weather
- Fully underwritten life insurance
- Our pick for: Bank of America® customers
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- FHA renovation loans
- Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers
- 24. Become a web developer
- Above-the-line deductions
- Turn to litigation
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- Confirm eligibility requirements
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- Where to get it
- 13. Language courses
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Texas for 30-year-olds
- 12. One night at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco
- Other notable benefits
- NYC tax rate schedule
- 2. Can a sole proprietor have employees?
- 7. Restrict online shopping
- 28. J. Crew Factory
- For any credit score
- 21. Concierge service
- Step 4: Look for funding options
- Average car insurance costs after a DUI
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in California for 30-year-olds
- 23. Restaurant or cafe
- 11. Peer-to-peer lending
- 3. Gather your paperwork.
- 1. Take a driving class
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Other specialty FHA loans
- 25. Start a podcast
- Be realistic about winning
- 4. Increased brand awareness
- 18. Search engine optimization consultant
- 5. Stock your vending machine with inventory
- 12. Taxes: Variable, but 21% corporate tax rate
- 9. Write your day care contract and policies
- 3. Does a sole proprietor need an EIN?
- 29. Journeys
- 22. Low fares through the International Airline Program
- Earning as an A-List elite
- Trezor: 4 out of 5 stars
- Below-the-line deductions
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- 24. Craft brewery
- 7. Retrieve your luggage
- Open a 529 account
- 13. One night at the Ritz-Carlton in Vienna
- Simplified issue life insurance
- 26. Be a social media influencer
- Where you live
- 5. Reduced risk
- Be authentic
- How it works
- 19. Social media consultant
- Dividends and preferred stock
- 4. How do you change from sole proprietor to LLC?
- 8. Delay purchases with the 30-day rule
- 30. Madewell
- Which factors determine car insurance quotes?
- American Express® Gold Card
- 23. Savings with the Cruise Privileges Program
- 11. Sell your photography
- Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
- Credit required
- Compare auto insurance rates for drivers with poor credit
- 12. Private equity
- Pros
- 4. Pick your investments.
- 12. Set the atmosphere
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 30-year-olds with poor credit
- 2. Choose a car that’s cheap to insure
- The details
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 30-year-olds with poor credit
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- Your credit
- 25. Ice cream shop
- Real estate agent commissions
- How it works
- Business entity summary
- 13. Travel: Variable
- Guaranteed issue life insurance
- 31. Old Navy
- 24. Car Rental Privileges
- SafePal: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- 27. Create online courses
- What else to know
- 20. Drone videography
- 6. Make the right investments
- Fund your flexible spending account (FSA)
- 7. Same-day wire transfer
- Selling bonds
- 9. Get creative with gifts
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- 26. Personal chef
- Property and transfer taxes
- 8. Exit the airport and enjoy your trip
- Serve your audience and set small goals
- Where to get it
- Our pick for: Paying rent
- 3. Protect your car
- 32. Target Circle
- 25. Deals through the Amex Auto Purchasing Program
- 28. Become a marketing consultant
- Your coverage
- Overseas acceptance
- 1. Loss of complete brand control
- Cons
- 15. Personal wellness
- 21. Cybersecurity or IT consulting
- Most popular: HO-3 insurance
- 14. Shipping: Variable
- What should you do if you’re invested in these REITs?
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- 27. Landscape services
- Title insurance
- 13. Crypto staking
- 1. What is a service business?
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 30-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- Use dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSAs)
- Nationwide vs. Trupanion pet insurance
- 26. An extra point when booking Platinum Destinations Vacations
- How to maximize your rewards
- Methodology
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 30-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- Your deductible
- Use multiple strategies
- 10. Lower your car costs
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
- 29. Develop an app
- Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
- 28. Pet grooming
- 2. Increased potential for legal disputes
- 2. How do you start a service business?
- 22. Venture capitalist
- 4. Get credit for driving less
- 33. Aveda
- 27. Additional value through the InCircle rewards program
- Step 5: Invest in product and tools
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- 5. Maximizing your credit cards
- Your claims history
- Look up the insurer’s financial strength
- Maximize health savings accounts (HSAs)
- Broadest coverage: HO-5 insurance
- 29. Florist
- 3. How do you calculate the break-even point for service businesses?
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- 11. Reduce your gas usage
- 34. BareMinerals
- 28. AmEx Carbon Emissions Tracker
- 30. Make a smart appliance
- Average annual car insurance costs for drivers with good vs. poor credit
- Your home
- 3. Initial investment
- How it works
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 30-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- 5. Raise your deductible
- Benefits of FHA loans
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 30-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- Product creation passive income ideas
- 4. Do service businesses charge sales tax?
- 23. Startup incubator
- Secure funding
- 8. Check, money order or cashier’s check
- 35. Clinique
- Nationwide vs. Healthy Paws pet insurance
- 31. Tap into virtual reality experiences
- Your other policies
- Research the insurer’s reputation for customer service
- 30. Massage therapist
- Limited coverage: HO-1 and HO-2 insurance
- Disadvantages of FHA loans
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- 4. Federal and state regulation
- 1. Look at customer satisfaction scores
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- 12. Bundle cable and internet
- 6. Drop coverage you no longer need
- 36. CVS
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- 29. The Global Dining Access by Resy
- 32. Make a niche dating site
- Our pick for: Limited credit
- Individual stocks
- Your dog
- 14. Write content
- Where to get it
- 24. Antivirus developer
- Roth IRA withdrawal rules
- 2. Consider financial strength
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 30-year-old drivers after a DUI
- 37. e.l.f. Cosmetics
- 30. Exclusive events
- 33. Develop a chatbot
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 30-year-old drivers after a DUI
- 31. Nutritionist
- 25. Domain name broker
- Get a business credit card
- 13. Switch your cell phone plan
- 7. Consider bundling your insurance policies
- Nationwide vs. ASPCA pet insurance
- 6. Borrowing money
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- Roth IRA withdrawal penalty
- 3. Evaluate the policy options
- 18. Consulting
- Pros
- 38. Lancome
- 31. An open invitation to events with Membership Experiences
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- 34. Offer matchmaking skills
- 32. Personal trainer or fitness instructor
- Compare insurance rates for drivers with an accident
- Dividend stocks
- Cons
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
- 8. Shop around for coverage
- 39. Sephora
- 32. A better view with American Express Preferred Access
- For cruise package deals: Costco Travel
- 35. Be a virtual assistant
- 4. Get prices from a handful of companies
- 14. Reduce your electric bill
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- How much is auto insurance for young drivers?
- Our pick for: Good credit
- 33. Beauty services
- 15. Publish a digital course
- 9. Cash
- 40. SmashBox
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Texas for 40-year-olds
- 36. Reinvent exercising
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for 40-year-olds
- 34. Life coach
- 19. IT support
- 1. What is the average cost to start a small business?
- 15. Lower your student loan payments
- 41. The Body Shop
- Car-related passive income ideas
- 33. No foreign transaction fees
- Step 6: Hire staff
- 37. Create eco-friendly, health-friendly makeup and beauty products
- 2. How do you calculate startup costs?
- 42. Ulta
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- 16. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions
- 34. Upgrade with points
- Directly with the Cruise Line
- 38. Open a food truck or restaurant pop-up
- 35. Tutor
- 16. Wrap your car with ads
- 20. Graphic design
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Texas for 40-year-olds
- United Club℠ Infinite Card
- Step 7: Set your pricing
- Our pick for: Travel
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in California for 40-year-olds
- Homeowners insurance deductibles
- 3. Are business startup costs tax-deductible?
- 35. No preset spending limit
- 39. Start an organization business
- 36. Daycare provider
- 17. Refinance your mortgage
- 43. AMC Theatres
- Average annual car insurance costs for young drivers by company
- 17. Rent out a parking space
- 36. A lower annual fee on additional cards
- 40. Do interior design for young professionals
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- 4. What is considered a startup cost?
- 44. Barnes & Noble
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- 37. Senior care provider
- 21. Social media management
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 40-year-olds with poor credit
- 10. IRS payment plan or installment agreement
- 18. Set savings goals
- 37. CreditSecure
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 40-year-olds with poor credit
- 45. Redbox
- 38. Interpreter or translator
- Our pick for: Instant gratification
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- 39. Housecleaning
- Step 8: Create an online presence
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 40-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- 19. Track spending
- 38. Cell phone protection
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 40-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- 7. Your credit score
- 40. Automotive repair
- 39. Purchase protection
- 1. Gather your information
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- 20. Pay off high-interest debt
- 41. Handyman services
- 40. Return protection
- 18. Rent out your car
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 40-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- Our pick for: Personalized rewards
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 40-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- 21. Keep savings in a high-yield savings account
- Prime Visa
- 41. Extended warranty
- 42. Dry cleaners
- 42. Baggage insurance plan
- Step 9: Serve up delicious foods
- 43. Hardware store
- 2. Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels
- 22. Create a 50/30/20 budget
- 1. Do your research
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 40-year-old drivers after a DUI
- 43. Car rental loss and damage insurance
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 40-year-old drivers after a DUI
- 44. Self-storage business
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- 44. Premium Car Rental Protection
- 45. Freelance copywriting and content creation
- Verizon Visa® Card
- 23. Shop consignment and thrift stores
- 45. Trip delay insurance
- 46. Rideshare driver
- 20. Become a private tutor
- 3. Find the right financing
- 46. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- 47. Website development and design
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Texas for 50-year-olds
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for 50-year-olds
- 48. Sell clothes online
- 47. Premium Global Assist Hotline
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- 3. Decide if you need full coverage car insurance
- 24. Join initiatives to get free items
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- 8. Taxes
- 49. SEO consultant
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Texas for 50-year-olds
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in California for 50-year-olds
- 50. App development
- Trip cancellation
- 25. Use car sharing services
- Trip interruption
- Cell phone protection
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 50-year-olds with poor credit
- Purchase protection
- 9. Paying off debt
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 50-year-olds with poor credit
- 26. Stock up on household supplies when they’re cheap
- Trip delay
- 4. Collect and compare car insurance quotes
- Return protection
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- Cancel For Any Reason
- Extended warranty
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 50-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- 27. Enjoy community events
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 50-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- Baggage insurance plan
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- Baggage delay
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- 28. Cash in on your birthday
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 50-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- Lost baggage
- Trip delay insurance
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 50-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Travel medical insurance
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 50-year-old drivers after a DUI
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 50-year-old drivers after a DUI
- Compare car insurance companies
- Conditions common to your dog’s breed
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Texas for 60-year-olds
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for 60-year-olds
- 10. Insurance
- Your dog’s energy and activities
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Texas for 60-year-olds
- Wellness expenses
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in California for 60-year-olds
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 60-year-olds with poor credit
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 60-year-olds with poor credit
- Decide whether your cat needs insurance
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 60-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- Wellness expenses
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 60-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 60-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- 11. Investing
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 60-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- 1. Check whether your pet is eligible
- 2. Research what’s covered
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 60-year-old drivers after a DUI
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 60-year-old drivers after a DUI
- 3. Decide how much coverage you want
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Texas for 70-year-olds
- Cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for 70-year-olds
- 4. Understand reimbursements and deductibles
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Texas for 70-year-olds
- Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in California for 70-year-olds
- 5. Check waiting periods
- 12. Starting or running a business
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 70-year-olds with poor credit
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 70-year-olds with poor credit
- 6. Examine extra costs
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 70-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- 7. Compare quotes
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 70-year-old drivers with one speeding ticket
- 13. Travel
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 70-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 70-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash
- Cheapest auto insurance in Texas for 70-year-old drivers after a DUI
- The NerdWallet Smart Money podcast
- Cheapest auto insurance in California for 70-year-old drivers after a DUI
- Auto insurance laws in California
- Low-income car insurance in California
1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
0% introductory APR period.
A year or more to pay off debt without interest.
Requires good to excellent credit to qualify.
Usually carries a balance transfer fee.
Higher APR kicks in after the introductory period.
Also called credit card refinancing, this option transfers credit card debt to a balance transfer credit card that charges no interest for a promotional period, typically 15 to 21 months. You’ll need good to excellent credit (690 credit score or higher) to qualify for most balance transfer cards.
A good balance transfer card will not charge an annual fee, but many issuers charge a one-time balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. Use NerdWallet’s balance transfer savings calculator to see whether the interest you save over time will wipe out the cost of the fee.
Aim to pay your balance down completely before the 0% intro APR period is over. Any remaining balance after that time will have a regular credit card interest rate.
» COMPARE: Best balance transfer credit cards
2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
Fixed interest rate means your monthly payment won’t change.
Low APRs for good to excellent credit.
Direct payment to creditors offered by some lenders.
Hard to get a low rate with bad credit.
Some loans carry an origination fee.
Credit card consolidation loans, also called debt consolidation loans, are fixed-rate loans that come in a lump-sum, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with terms up to seven years. You can apply for a consolidation loan at your local credit union, bank or through an online lender.
Credit unions are not-for-profit lenders that may offer their members more flexible loan terms and lower rates than other lenders, especially for borrowers with fair or bad credit (689 credit score or lower). The maximum APR charged at federal credit unions is 18%. You’ll need to become a member before you apply for a consolidation loan, but membership is typically quick and affordable.
Bank loans provide competitive APRs for good-credit borrowers, and benefits for existing bank customers may include larger loan amounts and rate discounts. If you have a good relationship with your bank, ask what their consolidation options are before committing to another lender.
Online lenders offer debt consolidation loans for borrowers across the credit spectrum, so they’re a good option if you can’t qualify through a credit union or bank. Most online lenders also let you pre-qualify without affecting your credit score, which is less common among banks and credit unions. Pre-qualifying gives you a preview of the rate, loan amount and term you may get once you formally apply.
Look for lenders that offer special features for debt consolidation. Some lenders, for example, will discount the rate on a debt consolidation loan or send the loan funds directly to your creditors, simplifying the process.
Use NerdWallet’s debt consolidation calculator to enter all of your debts in one place, see typical rates from lenders and calculate savings.
» COMPARE: Best credit card consolidation loans
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3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
Typically lower interest rates than personal loans.
May not require good credit to qualify.
Long repayment period keeps payments lower.
You need equity in your home to qualify, and a home appraisal is usually required.
Secured with your home, which you can lose if you default.
If you’re a homeowner, you may be able to take out a loan or line of credit on the equity in your home and use it to pay off your credit cards or other debts. This is an option for borrowers who can’t qualify for credit elsewhere.
A home equity loan is a lump-sum loan that you pay back with a fixed interest rate, meaning you’ll have predictable monthly payments and a clear finish line. However, these loans are less flexible than a line of credit, which works like a credit card with a variable interest rate.
A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, often requires interest-only payments during the draw period, which is usually the first 10 years. That means you’ll need to pay more than the minimum payment due to reduce the principal and make a dent in your overall debt during that time.
Since both of these types of credit are secured by your house, you’re likely to get a lower rate than what you would find on a personal loan or balance transfer credit card. However, you can also lose your home if you don’t keep up with payments.
4. Borrow from your 401(k)
Lower interest rates than unsecured loans.
No impact on your credit score.
Reduces your retirement fund.
Heavy penalty and fees if you can't repay.
If you lose or leave your job, you may have to quickly pay back your loan.
If you have an employer-sponsored retirement account like a 401(k) plan, you can typically borrow up to half the amount (with a $50,000 maximum), for a term up to five years, to help pay off your debts. These loans usually come with single-digit interest rates, so they’re much cheaper than credit cards, and any interest you pay goes back into your account. Another benefit is this loan won’t show up on your credit report, so there’s no impact on your score.
But taking out a 401(k) loan is very risky. Not only can it significantly impact your retirement savings, if you can’t repay, you’ll owe a hefty penalty plus taxes on the unpaid balance, and you may be left struggling with more debt.
Plus, if you lose your job or quit, the loan is automatically due on tax day of the next year.
Consider a 401(k) loan only after you’ve ruled out balance transfer cards and other types of loans.
5. Enter a debt management plan
Fixed monthly payments.
May cut your interest rate by half.
Doesn't hurt your credit score.
Startup fees and monthly fees are common.
It may take three to five years to repay your debt.
Debt management plans roll your credit card balances into one monthly payment at a reduced interest rate. You then pay it off over three to five years. These plans work best for those who are struggling to pay off credit card debt but don’t qualify for other options because of a low credit score.
Unlike other credit card consolidation options, opting into a debt management plan won’t hurt your credit score, and if you’re able to make payments on time, it should help.
But debt management plans typically come with fees, so you’ll want to verify the fee amounts and how they affect your overall payoff plan before making a commitment. Going through a nonprofit credit counseling agency is a good way to find an affordable debt management plan.
If your credit card debt is more than 40% of your income and can’t be repaid within five years, bankruptcy may be a better option than a debt management plan.
» MORE: Compare debt payoff strategies
What is credit card consolidation?
Credit card consolidation is when you use another credit product to pay off your credit card balances in one fell swoop. You’re then left with only one payment on your new debt.
For consolidation to make sense, the new debt should have a lower annual percentage rate than your credit cards, so you save money on interest. You can even apply that savings back to your debt, which will shorten the payoff period and get you out of debt faster.
How does credit card consolidation work?
Credit card consolidation works by using a different credit product to pay off your credit card balances at a lower interest rate. The logistics depend on which product you choose.
For example, if you go with a credit card consolidation loan, you’ll need to apply for the loan with a bank, credit union or online lender. Once approved, you’ll receive the money in your account, which you can use to pay off your credit cards.
If you have $10,000 in debt across four credit cards, you’d apply for a $10,000 loan then individually pay off each of the four cards (some lenders offer to pay off your cards for you). You’re then left with one fixed payment on the consolidation loan, which you make monthly, until the loan is paid off in full.
» MORE: How do consolidation loans work?
Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
Consolidating credit card debt is a good idea if you can qualify for a low enough interest rate and pay off the debt during the allotted time period, which will vary based on the consolidation product you choose.
You’ll also want to be certain you can keep your credit card balances at or near zero while you pay off the new debt. For example, if you take out a consolidation loan to pay off your credit cards, but then accumulate a balance on your credit cards again, you’ll be in a worse position than when you started.
Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
If you consolidate your credit cards, you can still use them. Consolidating just means you’re paying them off, so your balances will be at zero, but the cards themselves will remain open unless you take the step of closing them.
Closing a credit card can hurt your credit score. Financial experts often suggest tieing a small recurring expense, like your monthly phone bill, to the card to keep it active. Avoid paying for nonessential expenses with your credit card, since this could delay getting out of debt.
Debt consolidation rolls multiple debts, like high-interest credit cards or loans, into a single payment.
The best way to consolidate credit card debt depends on how much debt you have, your credit score and what existing financial resources you can pull from, but popular options include balance transfer cards and consolidation loans.
A consolidation loan might be better than paying off credit cards on your own if you can qualify for a lower interest rate than the average rate on your cards. This would reduce interest costs, lower your monthly payment and potentially get you out of debt faster.
Consolidating debt affects your credit in a few ways. Your credit score may temporarily dip when a lender or card issuer does a hard credit inquiry. Making a late payment on your consolidation product can also hurt your credit. But if you pay on time and stay out of debt in the future, the overall effect could be positive.
rolls multiple debts, like high-interest credit cards or loans, into a single payment.
The best
way to consolidate credit card debt
depends on how much debt you have, your credit score and what existing financial resources you can pull from, but popular options include balance transfer cards and consolidation loans.
A
consolidation loan
might be better than paying off credit cards on your own if you can qualify for a lower interest rate than the average rate on your cards. This would reduce interest costs, lower your monthly payment and potentially get you out of debt faster.
Consolidating debt affects your credit
in a few ways. Your credit score may temporarily dip when a lender or card issuer does a hard credit inquiry. Making a late payment on your consolidation product can also hurt your credit. But if you pay on time and stay out of debt in the future, the overall effect could be positive.
on NerdWallet