Get Out of Debt Faster While Paying Less (2024)

Use the right tools for the job

Credit card debt stings. The good news, however, is there’s a way to pay it down with less money in a shorter time. How? By moving your debt to a balance transfer card, which is a credit card that offers a lengthy 0% interest period. Unlike an everyday credit card (which charges interest on balances you carry from month to month), balance transfer cards give you time to pay down debt while preventing interest charges from stacking up.

Take advantage of introductory 0% APRs

When you’re paying down debt, interest rates matter – a lot. For example, compare the differences between paying down a $10,000 debt on an 18% APR card and a 0% balance transfer card. Using the balance transfer card could save you around $1,431, even after paying a transfer fee of $300. Want to save even more? Sign up for a card that doesn’t charge a transfer fee. As a heads up, the amount you may qualify to transfer and save depends on a variety of factors including your credit worthiness.

A balance transfer card can save over $1,000

Get Out of Debt Faster While Paying Less (1)Get Out of Debt Faster While Paying Less (2)

Total savings:

Financial savings:

$1,431

Pay off debt faster by:

3months

A few of our favorite cards

Apply Now

on Citibank's application

Great for: Flat Rate Cash Back

Citi Double Cash® Card

NerdWallet Rating

  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • View Rates and Fees
See additional details at Citibank's website

See card details

  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.

See card details

Apply Now

Securely with Citibank

Balance Transfer Fee

Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).

Intro APR

0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months

Ongoing APR

19.24%-29.24% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

18 Months

Annual Fee

$0

Recommended Credit Score

630 - 850

Average - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

VIEW RATES AND FEES

Apply Now

on American Express' website

Great for: Everyday Spending

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

NerdWallet Rating

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
  • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
  • View Rates and Fees
See additional details at American Express's website

See card details

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

See card details

Apply Now

Securely with American Express

Balance Transfer Fee

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Intro APR

0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers

Ongoing APR

19.24%-29.99% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

12 Months

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Recommended Credit Score

690 - 850

Good - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

VIEW RATES AND FEES

Apply Now

on US Bank's website

Great for: Long 0% Intro APR period

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

NerdWallet Rating

  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 29.74%.
  • Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
  • Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates and Fees
See additional details at US Bank's website

See card details

  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 29.74%.
  • Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.

See card details

Apply Now

Securely with US Bank

Balance Transfer Fee

An introductory fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening. After that, either 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

Intro APR

0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers

Ongoing APR

18.74%-29.74% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

18 Months

Annual Fee

$0

Recommended Credit Score

690 - 850

Good - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

VIEW RATES AND FEES

Apply Now

on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 322-7707

Great for: Cost-Effective Balance Transfer

BankAmericard® credit card

NerdWallet Rating

  • 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 16.24% - 26.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • No annual fee.
  • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
See additional details at Bank of America's website

See card details

  • 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 16.24% - 26.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • No annual fee.

See card details

Apply Now
Call to apply

Securely with Bank of America

Balance Transfer Fee

3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%

Intro APR

0% intro APR on Purchases for 18 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Ongoing APR

16.24%-26.24% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

18 billing cycles

Annual Fee

$0

Recommended Credit Score

690 - 850

Good - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

Apply Now

on Citibank's application

Great for: Longest 0% APR Period

Citi Simplicity® Card

NerdWallet Rating

  • No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
  • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
  • View Rates and Fees
See additional details at Citibank's website

See card details

  • No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
  • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.

See card details

Apply Now

Securely with Citibank

Balance Transfer Fee

3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases

Ongoing APR

19.24%-29.99% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

21 Months

Annual Fee

$0

Recommended Credit Score

690 - 850

Good - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

VIEW RATES AND FEES

Apply Now

on Discover's website

Great for: Balance Transfers and Bonus Categories

Discover it® Balance Transfer

NerdWallet Rating

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Your account may not always be eligible for balance transfers. Balance transfer eligibility is determined at Discover’s discretion.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates and Fees
See additional details at Discover's website

See card details

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.

See card details

Apply Now

Securely with Discover

Balance Transfer Fee

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Intro APR

0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months

Ongoing APR

17.24%-28.24% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

18 Months

Annual Fee

$0

Recommended Credit Score

690 - 850

Good - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

VIEW RATES AND FEES

Apply Now

on Chase's website

Great for: Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

NerdWallet Rating

  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program thatlets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back.You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expireas long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee –You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
See additional details at Chase's website

See card details

  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program thatlets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

See card details

Apply Now

Securely with Chase

Balance Transfer Fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

Ongoing APR

20.49%-29.24% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

15 Months

Annual Fee

$0

Recommended Credit Score

690 - 850

Good - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

Apply Now

on Citibank's application

Great for: Long 0% interest periods for balance transfers

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

NerdWallet Rating

  • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
  • With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
  • No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
  • View Rates and Fees
See additional details at Citibank's website

See card details

  • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

See card details

Apply Now

Securely with Citibank

Balance Transfer Fee

5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

Intro APR

0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases

Ongoing APR

18.24%-28.99% Variable APR

Intro Balance Transfer APR Period

21 Months

Annual Fee

$0

Recommended Credit Score

690 - 850

Good - Excellent

See NerdWallet's pros & cons

VIEW RATES AND FEES

Want to see more cards? See our entire lineup of balance transfer cards from 2020.

Updated --.

Get Out of Debt Faster While Paying Less (2024)

FAQs

How to come out of debt quickly? ›

7 tips to help dig your way out of debt
  1. Re-examine spending habits.
  2. Determine the right payoff approach for your situation.
  3. Go beyond the minimum.
  4. Earmark extras to the balances.
  5. Consider debt consolidation methods.
  6. Embark on a debt management plan.
  7. Settle for less than what you owe.
  8. FAQs.
Aug 8, 2024

Which method is best to pay off debt the fastest? ›

Pay off your most expensive loan first.

Then, continue paying down debts with the next highest interest rates to save on your overall cost. This is sometimes referred to as the “avalanche method” of paying down debt.

What are four mistakes to avoid when paying down debt? ›

Mistakes to avoid when trying to get out of debt
  • Not changing your spending habits. If you're struggling to pay off debt, you probably need to change your spending habits. ...
  • Closing credit cards after paying them off. ...
  • Neglecting your emergency fund. ...
  • Getting discouraged. ...
  • Not getting help when you need it.
Jan 4, 2024

How to pay off $6,000 in debt fast? ›

To pay off $6,000 in credit card debt within 36 months, you will need to pay $217 per month, assuming an APR of 18%. You would incur $1,823 in interest charges during that time, but you could avoid much of this extra cost and pay off your debt faster by using a 0% APR balance transfer credit card.

How to remove debt asap? ›

Here are strategies and tips for getting out of debt faster.
  1. Add Up All Your Debt. ...
  2. Adjust Your Budget. ...
  3. Use a Debt Repayment Strategy. ...
  4. Look for Additional Income. ...
  5. Consider Credit Counseling. ...
  6. Consider Consolidating Your Debt. ...
  7. Don't Forget About Debt in Collections. ...
  8. Stay Accountable.

How can I get out of $20000 debt fast? ›

If you have $20,000 in credit card debt that you need to pay off in three years or less, you have multiple options to consider, including:
  1. Take advantage of a debt relief service.
  2. Consolidate your debt with a home equity loan.
  3. Take advantage of 0% balance transfer credit cards.
May 22, 2024

What are the 3 biggest strategies for paying down debt? ›

Three big strategies for paying down debt are the snowball method, the avalanche method and debt consolidation. Let's take a closer look at how each of these strategies works, so you can figure out which one makes the most sense for you.

What are the 5 golden rules for managing debt? ›

Master your money with 5 golden rules of personal finance
  • It's a simple rule, but it's still the most potent piece of money wisdom: don't spend more than you earn. ...
  • Rule 2 – Create an emergency fund.
  • Rule 3 – Pay down debt as a priority. ...
  • Rule 4 – Create money goals. ...
  • Rule 5 – Make your money work for you. ...
  • Recommended reading.
Jun 24, 2024

What are the worst debts to have? ›

High-interest loans -- which could include payday loans or unsecured personal loans -- can be considered bad debt, as the high interest payments can be difficult for the borrower to pay back, often putting them in a worse financial situation.

How do I pay off debt if I don't have extra money? ›

Follow these seven steps to pay off debt on a low income:
  1. Find out how much debt you have.
  2. Create a budget.
  3. Pay off your debt with the debt snowball method.
  4. Increase your income.
  5. Cut your expenses.
  6. Avoid debt payoff scams.
  7. Believe you can do this. (Because you can.)
Jul 15, 2024

How do you pay off debt fast when you're broke? ›

Here are five of the fastest ways to achieve debt freedom:
  1. Take advantage of debt relief services.
  2. Reduce interest where possible.
  3. Focus on your highest interest rate first.
  4. Take advantage of opportunities to earn extra income.
  5. Cut expenses where possible.
May 22, 2024

What is the avalanche method? ›

In contrast, the "avalanche method" focuses on paying the loan with the highest interest rate loans first. Similar to the "snowball method," when the higher-interest debt is paid off, you put that money toward the account with the next highest interest rate and so on, until you are done.

How to get out of $10,000 debt fast? ›

7 ways to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt
  1. Opt for debt relief. One powerful approach to managing and reducing your credit card debt is with the help of debt relief companies. ...
  2. Use the snowball or avalanche method. ...
  3. Find ways to increase your income. ...
  4. Cut unnecessary expenses. ...
  5. Seek credit counseling. ...
  6. Use financial windfalls.
Feb 15, 2024

How to pay off $40,000 in credit card debt? ›

Ways to Pay Off $40,000 in Credit Card Debt
  1. Avalanche Approach. If your debt is spread across multiple credit cards, we recommend using the “avalanche approach” to pay it down. ...
  2. 0% APR Credit Card. ...
  3. Island Approach. ...
  4. Personal Loan. ...
  5. Debt Management Plan. ...
  6. Borrowing From Friends or Family.
Jul 31, 2024

How do I get out of debt I can't afford? ›

Here are some debt-relief options to consider.
  1. Create a Budget. ...
  2. Do Nothing and Get Debt Relief That Way. ...
  3. Negotiate With Your Creditors to Get Debt Relief. ...
  4. Seek Debt-Relief Assistance From a Consumer Credit Counseling Agency. ...
  5. File for Bankruptcy to Get Debt Relief. ...
  6. Get Help With Your Federal Student Loans.

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