How do I pay off credit card debt more quickly?
Key takeaways
Pay more than the minimum amount each month if you can, as this will help clear your debt faster and reduce the amount of interest you pay
A balance transfer card could help you reduce interest costs and give you more time to pay off what you owe
Prioritise paying off high-interest debt first, especially if you have balances on more than one credit card
If you’re struggling to repay your credit card, contact your provider or a free debt advice service as soon as possible
Credit card debt is a common financial burden that can spiral out of control if not managed properly.
It's easy to find yourself in a situation where you're missing payments or only making the minimum payments each month, but this strategy can lead to higher balances and more interest charges over time.
Interest compounds, which means you're paying interest on the interest already accrued, causing your debt to grow even faster.
For instance, carrying a £500 balance and making monthly repayments of £25 could result in £95 of interest charges at an 18.9% APR.
However, there are ways to avoid this trap, such as taking advantage of introductory 0% balance transfer cards.
where no interest will be added to your balance for a set period, giving you time to clear the debt.
What’s the best way to pay off credit card debt?
The best way to manage a credit card is to pay your balance off in full every month. This ensures you shouldn’t face any late fees or interest charges. You can also remove the risk of forgetting by setting up a direct debit.
However, if you have fallen into credit card debt and you’re struggling to pay off the balance on the account, you still have options.
Pay more than the minimum monthly amount: Even if you can’t clear the balance in full, anything over the required minimum amount will start to chip away at the debt. As importantly, it will mean you’re not hit with a late fee for a missed payment.
Prioritise your card repayments: Relevant if you have more than one credit card. When deciding which credit card debt to prioritise, it can be a good idea to target the high interest cards. That way, you're clearing the most expensive debt first.
Use a balance transfer credit card: If you’re already in credit card debt, taking out another credit card might seem like a daunting prospect, but a balance transfer card is specifically designed to help clear debt. You move your existing balance on to the new card that offers low or 0% interest for an introductory period. There is likely to be a one-off fee for moving the money, but this is usually outweighed by savings on interest payments.
A consolidation loan: For those with a significant amount of credit card debt, a debt consolidation loan might be a suitable option. By taking out a personal loan with a lower interest rate, you can pay off your credit card balances and then repay the loan over a fixed term, potentially saving money on interest and making monthly repayments more manageable.
Contact your credit card provider: If you explain your situation, your card provider is obliged to listen to your concerns and will try to seek a solution. They might be able to restructure your debt so you pay it over a longer period or offer you a payment holiday to give you more time to find the money. But always understand the terms and conditions before agreeing because it could work out more expensive in the long term.
Why should I pay more than the minimum amount?
It can be tempting to just make the minimum payment on your credit card. However, it is good practice to pay more especially when you’re in debt.
The reason is that paying more than the minimum payment means you clear your debt faster. Exceeding the minimum payment will also mean you pay less overall interest and it can help protect your credit rating.
The table, below, shows the potential benefits of paying more than the minimum balance on a credit card. It assumes an outstanding balance of £2,000, an APR of 20% and a minimum payment of 3% of the outstanding balance, or £25, whichever is greater.
Payment amount | Time to pay off debt in full | Total interest paid | Total cost (debt + interest) |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum payment only | 15 years | £2,800 | £4,800 |
Minimum + £50 extra/month | 4 years 2 months | £900 | £2,900 |
Fixed £250/month | 10 months | £170 | £2,170 |
Clearing in full | 1 month | £0 | £2,000 |
Every credit card holder's situation will be different, so use our credit card calculator to show you how long it may take to clear your credit card balance depending on how much you pay each month.
What should I do if I can’t pay off my credit card?
If you find yourself unable to pay your credit card debt, take action immediately.
Contact your card providers to discuss your situation; they may offer better deals, payment holidays, or options for debt restructuring.
Regulated companies are expected to be supportive of customers facing financial difficulties.
However, be aware that payment holidays might increase your debt due to added interest and charges.
If you need further assistance, free debt-advice charities such as StepChange, National Debtline, and Citizens Advice are available to provide guidance, negotiate with lenders on your behalf, and help create a manageable repayment plan.
Will credit card debt damage my credit score?
Carrying credit card debt can have a detrimental effect on your credit score, signalling to potential lenders that you may be a credit risk.
This can make it more difficult to obtain additional credit cards, loans, or mortgages.
Conversely, if you clear your balance every month, it can positively impact your credit score, demonstrating your ability to manage finances responsibly.
For more tips on enhancing your credit score, our guide on how to improve your credit score is an invaluable resource.
What to watch out for with a balance transfer card
Balance transfer cards can help you clear existing debt faster, but it’s important to understand the terms.
As well as factoring in the one-off fee, make sure you clear your balance before the introductory interest-free period ends, or consider moving it to another suitable balance transfer card if you still have debt remaining.
Also, avoid using a balance transfer card for new spending unless it’s specifically designed for this, as purchases could be charged at a higher interest rate and may not benefit from the promotional offer.
What should I do after I've paid off my credit card debt?
Once you've paid off your credit card debt, take steps to avoid falling back into the same trap.
Improving your spending habits and sticking to a budget are key to staying debt-free.
Consider keeping a credit card solely for emergencies and ensure you set up a monthly direct debit to pay off your card balance in full, thus avoiding any late payment charges.
These practices can not only improve your credit rating but also lead to better terms for future borrowing.
Additionally, building an emergency fund can provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, reducing the need to rely on credit cards.
Other useful guides
We have a range of useful guides for credit card borrowers, including:
Comparing credit cards with MoneySuperMarket
Searching for a new credit card with us is quick and straightforward. We can look across the market to find deals from leading providers to suit your needs. All you need to do is give us a few details about you and your finances. We’ll do a 'soft credit search' to find the cards most suited to you – and it won't impact your credit score in any way.
We’ll show you the key features of each card and your chances of being accepted for different card deals, so you aren’t left disappointed. Searching in this way puts you in control because you’ll know where you stand and can apply for a new card with greater confidence.
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker – this means we’ll show you products offered by lenders. We never take a fee from customers for this broking service. Instead, we are usually paid a fee by the lenders – though the size of that payment doesn’t affect how we show products to customers.
Author
Tim Heming
Personal Finance Expert
Tim Heming is a journalist and editor who has written about personal finance for national newspapers and consumer websites for 15 years. Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers...
Reviewer
Victoria Russell
General Manager - Commercial
Vikki has worked across financial services for over 20 years, and for the last 15 years, created and nurtured a career within MoneySuperMarket Group, leading to her current role as General Manager...
