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10 Ways To Dig Out of Credit Card Debt That Actually Work

These tips can help you stop falling behind and get ahead instead.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated March 16, 2026

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Credit card debt is like a bomb exploding in your financial life. It can wreck your credit score and cause major damage to your savings and retirement funds.

Americans' total credit card debt reached about  $1.21  trillion, according to the latest quarterly report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

If you are deeply in the red, take heart. There are many ways to pay off your debt and put your finances back in the black. We've compiled a few simple steps you can take now to get your credit card debt under control.

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Transfer your balance to a 0% APR card

Many credit card companies offer promotional periods where you are charged a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) on debt. These promotions might last for six months or even longer.

Transferring debt to a card that offers such a deal can buy you time as you pay off the debt. Temporarily eliminating interest charges means you can reach the goal of paying off debt faster, eliminating some financial stress.

Be aware that a 0% APR card may come with stipulations that could get you into deeper debt. For example, a 0% APR card may charge large late fees or switch to a higher-than-average interest rate once the promotional period ends.

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Increase your monthly payments

One of the best ways to pay off credit card debt is to increase the number of monthly payments you make on the card.

Consider cutting unnecessary spending and putting the savings toward extra monthly payments on your credit card. The extra payments should allow you to pay off debt much faster.

Get a part-time job or side hustle

There are plenty of part-time jobs or side hustles you can take on for a few hours each week. Use the extra money you earn to get out of debt trouble.

Think about potential side hustles, like tutoring students. Or turn a hobby, such as making jewelry or woodworking, into a new way to earn cash.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.

Pay off your debt in the way that makes sense for you

Many experts recommend you choose one of two methods when paying off debt. Choose the method that works best for you.

The "avalanche" method asks you to make extra payments on the debt with the highest interest rate until you pay it off. Then you find the debt with the next-highest interest rate and tackle it, and repeat until all your debts are gone.

The "snowball" method has you make extra payments on the debt with the smallest dollar amount and pay it off quickly before moving on to the next-smallest debt, and so on.

Track your spending

One big help in getting rid of debt is to track what you spend month after month. This lets you see exactly where your money is going.

Some expenses may be necessary, but other expenses on your credit card are probably not. If you see that you spend a good deal of money on eating out, for example, make changes.

Start packing a lunch for work or invite friends over for dinner instead of going out. These small changes can make a big impact on eliminating debt from your life.

Stop adding new debt

It sounds easier than it is, but try to commit to refusing to accumulate additional debt in the future.

If you see something you want, stop and ask whether you really want to grow your debt pile. Pause before you reach for your card or press the "Buy Now" button on an online retailer's site.

That little hesitation before you make an impulse purchase might convince you to skip the purchase and add up to real savings.

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Consider debt consolidation

Consider debt consolidation, particularly if your debt is spread out over multiple cards with different interest rates.

To consolidate their debt, people take out single personal loans to pay off credit cards and get the balances down to zero. However, look before you leap into this solution.

A personal loan may have a lower interest rate than your credit card, but it's still a loan that you will have to pay back. Plus, it might come with fees and other costs.

Renegotiate your debt

Put your skills to work by talking to creditors about waiving fees or renegotiating your debt.

For example, your credit card company might be willing to negotiate on the interest rate attached to your debt. A lower interest rate will save you money, and you can use those savings toward the debt.

Get professional help

If your debt is too overwhelming to handle on your own, consider meeting with a credit counselor who can help you navigate your debt.

A credit counselor can advise you on the best ways to tackle your credit card debt and get it under control. They may also be able to customize a plan based on your circumstances and needs.

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Use cash

It can be so easy to simply pull out a credit card whenever you need to pay for something. But it can be hazardous to your financial fitness.

Instead, get in the habit of carrying cash and using it for more purchases. The amount of cash you have at any given time will limit the amount you're able to spend, and you won't add to your credit card debt.

Bottom line

Taking control of your credit card debt will help you build up your credit score and grow your wealth. If you're struggling financially, create a budget to help you identify places where you're spending too much money. Even small cuts can add up to big savings you can use to get out of debt.

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Get Out of $30,000 or More of Credit Card Debt

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National Debt Relief Benefits

No upfront fees¹ Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.
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