10 Ways to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

You can get out of credit card debt with strategies ranging from DIY for smaller balances to relief programs for more serious situations.

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Updated Jan 22, 2026 · 3 min read

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To pay off credit card debt, you can adopt a repayment method like the debt snowball or debt avalanche, consolidate any high-interest debts or enroll in a debt management plan, among other things. What works for you will depend on your debt load and your specific situation.

Here are 10 methods to consider.

1. Pay more than the minimums

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

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.

2. Use the debt snowball

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.

3. 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.

4. Negotiate with credit card issuers

Reach out to your creditors to request better terms. 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.

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 may temporarily hurt your credit score. But if it makes it possible for you to make on-time payments and get your balance down, the end result should be positive.

5. Look into a 0% balance transfer credit card

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.

» COMPARE: The best 0% balance transfer cards

6. Get a debt consolidation loan

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 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

Should I consolidate debts? (Calculator)

7. Research 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 amount each month. Your credit accounts may be closed, and you may have to forgo new ones while you’re enrolled in the plan, which can last three to five years.

» MORE: How debt relief works

8. Learn more about 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.

» MORE: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 bankruptcy

9. 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 to negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

This option is expensive, and it isn’t guaranteed to work. It can also seriously damage your credit score, so consider other payoff options first.

» MORE: How does debt settlement work?

10. 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.

» MORE: Get our free budget template and tips for getting started

What Redditors say

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.

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.

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.

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.

» MORE: Explore these 19 realistic side hustles

Frequently Asked Questions

How much credit card debt does the average American have?

Revolving credit card debt (meaning balances carried from month to month) has increased by more than 4% over the past year, according to NerdWallet’s most recent annual analysis of household debt. As of September 2025, households with this type of debt now owe $11,413, on average.

What is the 7-year rule for credit card debt?

In general, any negative remarks on your credit report stay there for seven years or potentially longer. These include remarks about late payments, collections and bankruptcies.

What happens if I never pay my credit card debt?

Once a debt is significantly overdue, it will likely be sent to collections. From there, you could face a debt collection lawsuit, so it’s important to make a plan to repay as soon as possible.

» MORE: How to deal with debt collectors

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