The problem is cardy that if you keep on applying for further credit and getting declined, you will demise your credit rating even further, which then has a delaying knock-on effect.

In that situation it will take longer for your rating to improve to the point where you could successfully apply for the interest free card that could help you out......it's catch 22 I'm afraid for the time being whilst your credit rating recovers somewhat.

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I understand it's a struggle until such time, but that's the only way out that I can see just at this moment.

Thanks for your reply. Is this my only option at the moment? I am really starting to struggle to keep the payments up. They are paid [minimum payment only] by direct debit, so I am making sure they are paid, but surely there must be a way to reduce the monthly payments?

Keep paying at least the minimum payments for the time being whilst your credit rating improves for at least the next Three months, don't apply for anymore credit meanwhile... as refusals only serve to further degrade your existing credit rating.

After 3 to 6 months get a copy of your credit records from the CRA's to see if your credit rating has improved then apply for a 0% balance transfer card, transfer the balance or as much as you can onto the interest free card, this will give you some breathing space to vastly reduce the most expensive credit first.

I have 2 credit cards with a total balance of around 9,000. I am managing to pay the minimum payments each month by direct debit, but of course by only paying the minimum payment, the interest will be huge. I am now beginning to struggle to pay the monthly payments and wondered what my options were. I considered a loan but was turned down and am afraid that if I apply and again and am refused again that my credit rating will be really low. One of the cards is current and still usable, the other wasn't renewed.