National Debt Relief
Settlement program for eligible unsecured debt, such as credit cards.
Get help negotiating with creditors through a settlement program, starting with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Manage debt & credit
Pick a credit card debt payoff plan you can stick with
High-interest debt can leave little room for anything else. Compare payoff options and find a path toward a more manageable payoff plan.
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Compare payoff options
Guides and resources
Compare ways to pay down credit card debt (opens in a new tab) Understand the cost of minimum payments (opens in a new tab) Build a practical debt payoff plan (opens in a new tab) CFPB credit card debt guidance (opens in a new tab) FTC advice for getting out of debt (opens in a new tab)Questions before you decide
What should I do first if I cannot make my credit card minimum payment?
Contact the card issuer promptly, explain the hardship, state what you can afford, and ask whether it has a temporary payment or hardship option. Build a bare-bones budget before agreeing to anything. An issuer may offer help, but it is not required to change your terms, so get any agreement in writing.
Should I use a debt management plan or debt settlement?
They solve different problems. A nonprofit credit counselor may set up a debt management plan that repays unsecured debts under negotiated terms. Debt settlement seeks to resolve debts for less and can involve missed payments, fees, collections activity, and credit damage. Compare the full costs and risks before enrolling.
Can a debt settlement company charge me before it settles my debt?
For many debt-settlement services sold by phone, federal rules prohibit collecting a fee before the company settles or resolves at least one debt, you agree to the settlement, and you make a payment under it. Be wary of guarantees, instructions to stop talking to creditors, or pressure to stop paying without a clear plan.
Will a balance transfer save me money?
It can, but compare the transfer fee, promotional end date, regular APR, and the payment needed to clear the balance before the promotion ends. A lower-rate transfer only helps if new borrowing does not replace the moved balance and the payoff plan fits your budget. Review the card agreement, not only the headline rate.
Is paying only the minimum enough?
Paying the minimum generally keeps an account from becoming immediately delinquent, but it usually leaves interest accruing and can stretch repayment for years. Use the payoff information on each statement to compare the minimum-payment path with a fixed extra-payment plan. Keep at least the required payment current on every account while prioritizing extra dollars.
Will closing my credit cards help me get out of debt?
Closing a card stops new charges on that account, but it does not erase the balance or interest. It can also reduce available credit and affect credit utilization. Decide separately whether to stop using a card, keep it open after payoff, or close it; the right choice depends on spending control, fees, and your wider credit profile.
