How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt (Even If You're Overwhelmed)

As of early 2025, Americans are carrying almost $1.2 trillion in credit card balances. With interest rates still hovering around 20% APR on average, paying off even a modest balance can feel like pushing a boulder uphill… forever.

But there is a way out -- and it doesn't require winning the lottery. Here's how to get out of credit card debt, even if you're totally overwhelmed right now.

1. Pause interest with a 0% intro APR balance transfer card

Interest is a huge pain point when you're in credit card debt. But transferring your balance over to a 0% APR balance transfer card can let you hit "pause" on that interest.

Right now, some cards are offering up to 21 months of 0% APR. That means every dollar you pay during that period goes straight to principal.

Let's say you owe $6,000 at 20% APR and you're making fixed payments of $250 monthly. It will take you 31 months to pay this off, and you'll pay over $1,700 in interest. But if you transfer that balance to a card offering 0% APR for 18 months, and bump up your payment to $334 per month, you'll be debt-free 13 months sooner and pay nothing in interest.

Balance transfer fees usually range from 3% to 5%, so do the math and make sure the savings outweigh the fee. Also, these cards usually require good credit (670 or higher FICO® Score) to qualify for.

2. Use the debt snowball or avalanche method

If you have debt across multiple credit cards, here are two main strategies to help pay them off:

1. The debt snowball method focuses on momentum. You line up your debts from smallest to largest balance. Then, you attack the tiniest one first (while paying minimums on the rest). Once that first debt is gone, you roll its payment into the next one, and so on. It's like a snowball rolling downhill.
2. The debt avalanche method, on the other hand, focuses on maximum savings. Instead of tackling the smallest balance first, you target the debt with the highest interest rate. It might take longer to get your first win, but you'll pay less in interest overall and get out of debt more efficiently.

Both strategies can work. Just choose one and stick to it.

Looking to speed up your payoff even further? Compare the top balance transfer cards and get up to 21 months of 0% APR.

3. Trim your budget and reroute every dollar toward debt

Freeing up just $100 extra each month can make a huge difference in debt payoff.

It doesn't mean depriving yourself forever. Just temporarily squeezing your budget can help you get ahead of your debt and make things more manageable.

Start by combing through your spending and ask yourself, what is actually necessary? What can be paused, swapped, or downgraded? Even small cuts can add up fast.

Here are a few ideas:

• Cancel unused subscriptions or streaming services
• Switch to a cheaper phone plan
• Cook more meals at home (bonus: healthier and cheaper)
• Pause unnecessary shopping for 30 days

Every dollar you free up can help chip away at your debt. And once that debt is gone, you can start funneling those payments toward savings or investing. That's the real glow-up.

4. Work with a nonprofit credit counselor

There's no shame in asking for help. In fact, it can be really helpful to talk your debt issues out with someone.

Two awesome nonprofit agencies are Money Management International (MMI) and the National Foundation of Credit Counseling (NFCC). They both offer free debt advice and can help you create a custom payoff plan.

These aren't shady debt relief companies -- they're certified nonprofit organizations. And there's zero pressure to sign up for anything.

Take one small step today

Whether it's applying for a balance transfer card, cutting out a few non-essentials, or calling a credit counselor, every action counts. Momentum builds fast once you get moving.

Start today. You don't have to do everything at once. You just have to do something.