Control Your Credit Card Debts

While credit cards are a handy source of credit, relatively high interest rates mean they can be very expensive if you fall into debt. In fact, a large proportion of credit card users simply make the minimum payment each month, allowing their debt to grow and grow.

It is possible to reverse the bad habits and trends with some effort and by being money smart. Here are some tips on how you can slash your credit card debt and save yourself a lot of money.

Find a better rate

You may need to look for a new credit cards with a lower APR as a first step in slashing your credit card debts is cutting down the amount of interest you pay so you can focus on paying the actual main debt off. The APR dictates how much interest you pay on what you owe each month and, ultimately, how quickly your debt grows.

So, find out how much you pay on your credit card and research the market to see if you can find a card with a lower interest rate. Most of the time you’ll find shopping around will find you a better deal.

In addition, many credit cards offer special introductory offers, such as no interest for six months. In some cases, these will also apply balance transfers from your current credit card so you could save yourself a lot of money in interest rate repayments, and give yourself a chance to clear some of that debt.

Make sure you are aware of the balance transfer fees in the fine print. While many lenders offer low interest rates on transfers there is often an upfront transfer fee payable that will be added to your debts so make sure the savings really add up. Also, be sure to compare credit cards on the market to ensure that you are getting a good rate of interest after the special introductory rate expires.

Clear your debt

Unfortunately, credit card debt consolidation involves facing some hard facts. While lower interest rates and balance transfers will save you money, at some stage you will have to face facts and begin to pay off what you owe. If you have a large credit card debt it is not enough simply to make the minimum payment each month. At the very least you need to cover the interest so your debt does not continue to grow.

Ideally, though, you should be reducing the debt each month. It will take some commitment but the end result and reduction in financial stress will be well worth it. Try putting the money you save through lower interest rates and/or a balance transfer back into your debt to get it cleared as quickly as possible.

Monitor your spending habits

You need to put in place some good spending habits to be successful with debt consolidation and prevent ending up in the same situation in the future. If you still find yourself using your credit card to make purchases you should consider locking it away for emergencies. With a credit card in your wallet there is a constant temptation to spend – not what you need when you’re trying to get back in the black. Try switching to Visa debit rather than credit cards.

Reduce and avoid banking fees and charges

A lot of credit card debt problems arise from indiscipline. Spending beyond your means is one root of the problem, but failing to adhere to the credit’s cards rules is another common pitfall. If your running above you agreed limit or failing to make repayments of the minimum required by the due dates each month you could be paying an extra $50 or so a month that can be easily avoided.

Get a loan

If you have fallen heavily into debt and you are getting swamped by the high interest rate charges of your credit card, you could consider getting a term loan. This is something of a last resort, but the lower interest rates of the term loan could give you a chance to get your finances back in order. Some lenders may be reluctant to give you a loan considering the debt you have already built up, but if you have a clean credit rating and a decent income you should be okay.

Article by Richard of the Click 4 Group.