A Guide: What is Credit Card Debt Relief?

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With inflation and interest rates rising, it’s no surprise many Americans are turning to credit cards for support. Credit card debt in the United States passed the $1 trillion mark as of Q3 2023, and no doubt many people feel overwhelmed by their debt.

Thankfully, credit card debt relief options are available to help you alleviate your financial burdens and make strides toward becoming financially stable. Credit card debt relief programs vary and are personalized to your situation. However, some of the options carry risks.

In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about credit card debt relief, the steps to take and the risk of getting out of debt.

What is credit card debt relief?

Credit card debt relief is assistance with paying off a balance you owe. While debt relief doesn’t erase your debt, it does help adjust the repayment terms. 

Credit card debt relief vs. debt forgiveness

Credit card debt relief is when your outstanding balance is restricted to make payments more manageable. This often involves extending the payment term or lowering the interest rate. Whatever the change is, you still need to pay back the entire amount you owe. 

On the other hand, debt forgiveness is when some or all of the outstanding balance of a loan or line of credit is forgiven and doesn’t need to be paid back. However, debt forgiveness isn’t a magic solution that makes your debt disappear. It typically comes with downsides, such as negatively impacting your credit. You may also have to pay taxes on the forgiven debt.

How do I know if I need credit card debt relief?

To determine if you need credit card debt relief, you should evaluate your specific financial situation. If your debt can be repaid by making small changes in how you spend, that’s always the best route. But if you’re budgeting meticulously and barely staying afloat (or sinking), you may need help.

Here’s how to know if you’re a candidate for debt relief assistance:

• It’s a struggle to repay your unsecured debts, even when budgeting well. If you’ve cut your spending to the bone and still can’t make your debt repayments, you likely need to look for a new solution.
• Multiple creditors have sold your debt to collection agencies. Sometimes, setbacks and unexpected bills happen, and some of your debt may have reached a collection agency. If you’re at this point, getting help negotiating with debt collectors can be a huge relief.

How to get out of debt

If you’re buried in debt but don’t know where to go, consider speaking to a credit counselor. A reputable credit counseling organization can discuss your financial outlook with you. They’ll make recommendations on managing your debt and budgeting and share available resources.

From there, you can evaluate all your options and weigh the pros and cons. Once you select a preferred debt relief route, you’ll need to ensure you stick to it. 

Types of credit card debt relief

There are several options when it comes to credit card relief:

1. Credit card balance transfer

If you have high-interest debt on a credit card, you can transfer the balance to a different card with a lower interest rate. By paying less in interest, more of your payments will go toward the principal balance, allowing you to pay off your debt faster.

When making a balance transfer, check to see if the new card offers a low introductory interest rate. An introductory interest rate, which could be as low as 0 percent, usually lasts for a certain period, such as six to 18 months. Keep in mind that any late or insufficient payments can invalidate these lower interest rates.

You’ll typically have to pay a fee when transferring a balance, which is usually about 3 percent of the balance amount. However, if you have a good credit score, this fee might be waived.

2. Personal loan

Personal loans give you access to funds that can be put toward your credit card debt. The two types of personal loans are secured and unsecured. Secured loans require collateral, such as a vehicle. If you don’t repay the loan, they can seize your property. Unsecured loans only need a signature but usually require a higher credit score than secured loans.

3. Debt consolidation

Debt consolidation is when you combine debt from several credit cards into a new loan with a fixed rate and a single monthly payment. Consolidation loans usually offer lower interest rates than credit cards, so you can pay off debt faster and pay less overall.

4. Debt reduction plan

A debt reduction plan helps you manage your debts, often through lower monthly payments. A debt relief counselor determines the best method, such as a repayment plan or debt consolidation.

A counselor can also help you figure out where you can scale back and how you can make extra cash for payments. Debt relief counselors are available to help negotiate your outstanding balance and provide tips on how to repair your credit.

5. Bankruptcy

If you find yourself deep in debt, filing for bankruptcy might be your best option. While it can be detrimental to your credit in the short term, filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy might put you ahead in the long run. However, you should consult an attorney in detail to fully explore this option and understand how bankruptcy will affect you.

Bankruptcy isn’t something to take lightly, as declaring bankruptcy can affect your credit for up to seven to 10 years, depending on which chapter you file.

How to navigate credit card debt relief

Here’s how to better manage your credit card debt while paying it back:

1. Create a budget: Design a budget and stick to it. Budgeting apps can send you payment reminders and alert you if you spend too much. Some apps even track your credit.
2. Reduce your debt as much as possible: To see a difference, repay some of the balance every month, not just the minimum payment amount.
3. Don’t skip secured loan payments: While paying back your credit card debt is important, you should prioritize any secured loans so you don’t risk losing your house, car or other assets.
4. Keep your credit cards open: Once you’ve paid off your credit card debt, think carefully before closing your cards. If you have several kinds of credit, closing any of your cards may increase your overall credit utilization. Plus, it may shorten the length of your credit history. Both can result in a hit to your credit.

Credit card debt relief risks

There are several forms of debt relief, but any method can be tricky. Whichever approach you choose, there are numerous ways you can be misled or scammed. 

Key things to watch out for include:

• Fake companies and scams: Fake companies ask for hefty fees up front, then fail to contact your creditors or provide you with the loan you applied for. If you’re suspicious about a company, contact the Federal Trade Commission.
• Deals that don’t save you money: Avoid situations where the length of the loan is so extended that it costs more to pay it off than to keep original agreements in place.
• Hidden fees and costs: Ensure you know all the fees before committing to any agreement.
• Impacts on your credit: Debt relief can affect your credit temporarily, but as you pay more of your debt balance, your credit should recover.
• Owing taxes: Debt relief is a double-edged sword. While there are a few exceptions, forgiven or canceled debt is usually taxable.
• Ending up with more debt: Debt relief methods don’t address the behaviors that led to the debt in the first place. Ensure you don’t reignite old spending patterns.

Does credit card debt relief affect my credit?

Credit card debt relief can affect your credit based on the type of relief you choose and your debt balance. Generally, you can initially expect a dip in your credit, followed by a steady rise over time.

A turnaround on your credit will take time. Depending on the amount and type of debt, it could take anywhere from a year to a few years. With each passing month, you’ll get more and more ahead to the point where you’re back on your feet.

How to get your finances back on track

A debt relief program can make huge strides on unmanageable debt. However, always review the terms and conditions and understand how the debt relief plan might impact your credit. 

Alternatively, you could work with a credit repair company to determine if other methods could help you improve your credit without signing up for debt relief. Start with a free credit assessment from Lexington Law to get a personalized credit repair recommendation.