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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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

Get Out of Debt Faster While Paying Less? ›

Creating a realistic budget is essential to pay off debt fast with a low income. You can start by identifying areas to cut back on unnecessary expenses, like reducing discretionary spending, such as eating out. Look for creative ways to save money, such as using coupons, shopping sales, or negotiating lower bills.

How to get out of debt quickly? ›

Tips for How to Get Out of Debt Fast
  1. Lower your expenses. Once you've made your budget, go through it line by line and see where you can cut back on your spending. ...
  2. Increase your income. Think of your income as a shovel. ...
  3. Cut up your credit cards. ...
  4. Know your why. ...
  5. Take Financial Peace University.
Apr 26, 2024

How to pay off debt faster with low income? ›

Creating a realistic budget is essential to pay off debt fast with a low income. You can start by identifying areas to cut back on unnecessary expenses, like reducing discretionary spending, such as eating out. Look for creative ways to save money, such as using coupons, shopping sales, or negotiating lower bills.

What's the smartest way to get out of debt? ›

Consider the snowball method of paying off debt.

This involves starting with your smallest balance first, paying that off and then rolling that same payment towards the next smallest balance as you work your way up to the largest balance. This method can help you build momentum as each balance is paid off.

How to fill out the debt snowball worksheet? ›

Make a debt snowball worksheet

On your worksheet, list your debts and use the total amount you owe to order them from smallest to largest. Then, create two columns: one for your minimum monthly payment and another for the amount you actually pay each month.

How to aggressively pay off debt? ›

What's the best way to pay off debt?
  1. The snowball method. Pay the smallest debt as fast as possible. Pay minimums on all other debt. Then pay that extra toward the next largest debt. ...
  2. Debt avalanche. Pay the largest or highest interest rate debt as fast as possible. Pay minimums on all other debt. ...
  3. Debt consolidation.
Aug 8, 2023

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

Use a debt consolidation loan

With a debt consolidation loan, you borrow money from a lender and roll all of those debts into one loan with a single interest rate. This allows you to make one monthly payment rather than paying multiple creditors.

Can I get a government loan to pay off debt? ›

While there are no government debt relief grants, there is free money to pay other bills, which should lead to paying off debt because it frees up funds. The biggest grant the government offers may be housing vouchers for those who qualify.

How to pay $30,000 debt in one year? ›

The 6-step method that helped this 34-year-old pay off $30,000 of credit card debt in 1 year
  1. Step 1: Survey the land. ...
  2. Step 2: Limit and leverage. ...
  3. Step 3: Automate your minimum payments. ...
  4. Step 4: Yes, you must pay extra and often. ...
  5. Step 5: Evaluate the plan often. ...
  6. Step 6: Ramp-up when you 're ready.

Does the government have a debt relief program? ›

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a government-sponsored program for credit card debt relief. In fact, if you receive a solicitation that touts a government program to get you out of debt, you may want to think twice about working with that company.

How to get rid of $30k in credit card debt? ›

How to Get Rid of $30k in Credit Card Debt
  1. Make a list of all your credit card debts.
  2. Make a budget.
  3. Create a strategy to pay down debt.
  4. Pay more than your minimum payment whenever possible.
  5. Set goals and timeline for repayment.
  6. Consolidate your debt.
  7. Implement a debt management plan.
Aug 4, 2023

How to get debt written off? ›

Which debt solutions write off debts?
  1. Bankruptcy: Writes off unsecured debts if you cannot repay them. Any assets like a house or car may be sold.
  2. Debt relief order (DRO): Writes off debts if you have a relatively low level of debt. Must also have few assets.
  3. Individual voluntary arrangement (IVA): A formal agreement.

How to come out of debt trap? ›

5 Smart Ways to Get Out of a Debt Trap
  1. Prioritise High-Interest Debts. Identify the most expensive loans and credit facilities in your portfolio and prioritise paying them off. ...
  2. Opt for Debt Consolidation. ...
  3. Look for Additional Sources of Income. ...
  4. Choose Loan Balance Transfers.
Nov 17, 2023

What is the debt stacking method? ›

With debt stacking, you line up your debt, most effectively from highest interest rate to lowest, then target one account to pay off, while still making payments on the others. Once the targeted account's balance is zero, you target the next one. Repeat the process until you are debt free.

Does the snowball method work? ›

The truth about the debt snowball method is it's a motivational program that can work at eliminating debt, but it's going to cost you more money and time – sometimes a lot more money and a lot more time – than other debt relief options.

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 $30,000 in credit card debt? ›

How to Get Rid of $30k in Credit Card Debt
  1. Make a list of all your credit card debts.
  2. Make a budget.
  3. Create a strategy to pay down debt.
  4. Pay more than your minimum payment whenever possible.
  5. Set goals and timeline for repayment.
  6. Consolidate your debt.
  7. Implement a debt management plan.
Aug 4, 2023

How can I pay off 2000 in debt fast? ›

7 ways to pay off debt fast
  1. Pay more than the minimum payment every month. ...
  2. Tackle high-interest debts with the avalanche method. ...
  3. Set up a payment plan. ...
  4. Put extra money toward paying off your debts. ...
  5. Start a side hustle. ...
  6. Limit unnecessary spending. ...
  7. Don't let your debt hit collections.
May 9, 2023

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