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Credit card debt.

It's like quicksand. You think you're making progress, paying a little here and there, only to get pulled right back under. It's like no matter how hard you try, the balance just creeps back up again.

Yeah, I've been there.

When my now-husband was a law student in DC, we were trying to make things work on a single salary — and it felt like we were in a financial tug-of-war. DC isn't exactly known for being affordable, and we did what many do in that situation: We leaned on credit cards. And boy, did we lean hard.

It took a while to realize how bad things were getting because we did a good job of staying on top of it. We'd pay down a chunk of debt, feel a sense of relief, and then some bill would be due or my computer would stop working... and bam!

The debt would come roaring back with a vengeance.

It wasn't fun. But it did force me to try almost every debt strategy in the book.

So, what's the best way to get out of credit card debt? It depends; like most things in personal finance, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. You might find success with just one strategy. Or, like us, it might take a little bit of everything.

The good news? You've got options. And I'm going to walk you through some of the most effective ones, so you can figure out what'll work best for you.

Ready to get started?

Let's dive in.

1) Create a Debt Repayment Plan to Regain Control

When you're staring down a pile of credit card debt, it's easy to feel paralyzed. Where do you even start?

With a plan.

Debt doesn't just disappear on its own, but you don't have to tackle it all at once either. Creating a clear, manageable plan to take it is the first step to taking control.

Here are a few strategies that have helped thousands of people  —  myself included.

The Debt Snowball Method

This method focuses on gaining momentum by targeting your smallest debts first, regardless of their interest rates. Here's how it works: You list all your credit card balances from smallest to largest. You continue making minimum payments on all but the smallest balance. For that one, you throw as much money as possible at it until it's gone. Once that debt is paid off, you take the money you were putting toward it and apply it to the next smallest balance, and so on.

The idea here is psychological — it feels great to knock out a debt completely, no matter the size. And that sense of accomplishment can motivate you to keep going.

Example: Let's say you have three credit card balances: $500, $1,500, and $6,200. Using the Snowball Method, you'd tackle the $500 balance first, paying it off as quickly as possible. Once it's gone, you'd move on to the $1,500 balance with the added funds you were putting toward the first one.

This method may not save you the most in interest, but the emotional boost can keep you moving forward. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.

The Debt Avalanche Method

If the snowball method is all about those quick wins, the avalanche method is about saving money. It's a slower start, but in the end, you'll pay less interest. Here's how it works: List your debts again, but this time, sort them by APR — highest to lowest. Then, start attacking the debt with the highest rate first, while making minimum payments on the rest.

Example: Using the same three balances of $500, $1,500, and $6,200, but now factoring in interest rates, you might discover that the $6,200 balance has the highest rate of nearly 30%, while the other two are closer to 14%. In this case, you'd focus on paying off the $6,200 balance first to save the most in interest charges over time. Once that balance is paid off, you move down the list to the card with the second-highest APR.

This method requires a bit more patience because knocking out that first debt could take some time, especially if the balance is high. But every dollar you pay toward it saves you from future interest charges. And once that high-interest debt is gone? You'll feel a massive relief, knowing you've stopped the biggest financial leak.

Balance Transfer Cards  

Now, let's talk about a tool that can give you some breathing room — balance transfer cards. These cards offer a 0% introductory interest rate for a set period, often up to 21 months. During this time, you're free from those crushing interest charges, which means every dollar you pay goes directly to reducing your balance.

But here's the catch: You have to be disciplined. That 0% rate doesn't last forever, and when the promotional period ends, interest kicks back in — often at a much higher rate. So, if you go this route, make sure you have a plan to pay off as much as possible before the regular interest starts creeping back in.

And yes, there's usually a balance transfer fee, typically 3% to 5%. But if your interest rate is 25% or higher, that one-time fee might be well worth it. Just make sure the math works in your favor.

Debt Consolidation Loans  

If you're juggling multiple high-interest credit card payments, a debt consolidation loan might be your answer. It works like this: You take out a personal loan with a lower interest rate, use it to pay off your credit card debt, and then repay the loan in fixed monthly installments.

This can make your life a lot easier — you'll have just one payment to focus on, and ideally, that payment will come with a lower interest rate. Plus, having a set repayment term can give you a clear timeline for when you'll be debt-free. Just keep in mind that you'll need a decent credit score to qualify for the best rates. And like with all loans, read the fine print.

2) Make Mid-Cycle Payments to Reduce Interest Charges

If you can, double down on those payments. Every payment counts, but mid-cycle payments count a little bit extra.

You see, making an extra payment in the middle of the billing period (instead of waiting until the next due date) actually reduces the amount of interest you pay by lowering your average daily balance for the billing period. That in turn reduces how much interest accrues by the time your statement is due. It's like gaining a little extra traction each month, without having to think about it. Plus, it can help increase your credit score by improving your credit utilization.

So even if it's just an extra $50 or $100, making an additional payment every month can make a big difference over time. Every dollar you throw at your debt reduces the interest you'll pay in the long run, and it helps you chip away at that balance faster.

3) Automate Payments to Avoid Extra Fees

Life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything else, it's easy to forget a payment or two. But missing payments? That's a recipe for late fees, higher interest, and even a ding to your credit score. That's why automation is your best friend.

When you automate your credit card payments, you take the guesswork out of staying on track. It's like putting your debt repayment on autopilot. No missed deadlines, no late fees, no stress.

You can even automate those extra payments we talked about earlier.

The beauty of automating payments is that once it's set up, you can forget about it. You don't have to worry about due dates or balancing multiple payments — your financial plan is already in motion. Just be sure to check in on your accounts regularly to adjust for any changes in income or expenses.

By automating payments, you're putting your debt repayment on the fast track without any added effort. It's a simple, effective way to stay consistent and avoid the stress of juggling payment schedules.

4) Break the Cycle of New Debt to Stay on Track

This might seem obvious, but it's worth saying. The quickest way to sabotage your debt repayment efforts is to keep adding new debt. Think of it like trying to bail out a sinking boat while someone else keeps dumping water back in. You're never going to get ahead.

So, as you're working to pay off your credit cards, it's crucial to stop the cycle of new debt.

For many of us, credit cards have become a habit. We swipe without thinking, especially for small purchases that don't feel significant in the moment. But those little charges add up quickly. Breaking the habit of reaching for your credit card takes discipline, but it's key to keeping your debt under control.

One of the simplest ways to avoid new debt is to step away from the credit cards altogether. Consider switching to cash or debit for your daily expenses. By using cash, you're physically handing over money, which makes it harder to overspend. With debit, you're limited by the balance in your checking account — once it's gone, it's gone. This forces you to be more mindful of your spending and keeps you from accidentally piling on more credit card debt.

If you're serious about avoiding new debt, it might be time to take a drastic step: remove the temptation entirely. That could mean leaving your credit cards at home when you go out, freezing them in a block of ice (literally!), or even locking them away for a while. The point is to create a little distance between you and your cards, making it harder to rack up new charges.

5) Leverage Windfalls to Accelerate Your Debt Payoff

Every now and then, life hands you an unexpected gift — a tax refund, a bonus at work, or even a generous birthday check from a relative. These windfalls can feel like a golden opportunity to treat yourself. And while there's nothing wrong with a little celebration, when you're paying off debt, that money can be your secret weapon.

Here's the thing: Windfalls can supercharge your debt payoff efforts. Imagine throwing a $1,000 tax refund directly at your credit card balance. That's $1,000 less in debt, just like that. And if you're strategic about it, windfalls can shave months — if not years — off your repayment timeline.

When my husband and I were paying down our credit card debt, we were lucky enough to receive a generous gift from a family member at just the right moment. We used that money to make a big dent in our balance, and it felt like a weight had been lifted. That unexpected boost, in combination with our paydown strategy, was one of the key factors that helped us finally get out of that cycle of debt.

The challenge with windfalls is that it's tempting to see that bonus or refund and immediately think about upgrading your wardrobe, booking a vacation, or splurging on something you've had your eye on. And hey, you've earned it, right?

But here's where the real payoff happens: If you can commit those windfalls to your debt, you're investing in your future. Every dollar that goes toward paying off your balance is a dollar you're not paying interest on. It's a gift that keeps on giving, because the less debt you have, the more freedom you gain.

The key to leveraging windfalls is having a plan before the money hits your account. Decide ahead of time that any extra income — whether it's a tax refund, a bonus, or even just a little unexpected cash — will go directly toward your debt. By committing to this plan in advance, you're less likely to be swayed by impulse purchases when the money arrives.

Think of windfalls as a fast track to getting out of debt. The more you throw at your balance now, the sooner you'll be free from the burden of interest payments and minimums.

So, the next time you receive an unexpected financial boost, ask yourself: what could this do for my debt? Chances are, it could be the game-changer you've been waiting for.

6) Seek Professional Help to Navigate Complex Debt Situations

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, tackling credit card debt can feel like an uphill battle. And that's okay — debt can be complex, and you don't have to go it alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to seek professional help.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams disguised as debt "assistance" programs, so it's essential you work with a trusted progressional.

The Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) is a professional 501(c)(3) membership association comprised of the nation's leading credit counseling agencies. On their website (fcaa.org), you'll find tools to help you connect with a professional credit counselor, along with budgeting calculators and apps designed to help you stay on track.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is a non-profit trusted network of credit counseling agencies dedicated to helping Americans gain control of their finances. There website (nfcc.org) offers a number of debt programs that can help you, as well as tools and resources.

There are certainly other legitimate counseling services and tools out there, but these two resources are largely considered the gold standard for debt assistance.

If you're feeling stuck or unsure of what to do next, seeking help from a professional could be the lifeline you need. There's no shame in asking for help — sometimes, an outside perspective can make all the difference in getting back on track. Whether it's credit counseling, debt settlement, or another form of financial guidance, the right help can empower you to regain control of your finances and finally move past your debt.