10 tips to beat credit card debt

If you own a credit card and you use it - you're in debt. According to finder.com.au 70% of Australian adults own a credit card with an average card balance of $3,231.[1] While credit cards are convenient, are widely accepted by retailers, easy to use and access, they are also expensive and many of us forget that they are in fact a loan that attracts significant interest, fees and charges. Here are some tips to reduce your credit card debt and breathe a little easier!

1. Transfer your balance

One of the fastest ways to reduce your interest is to transfer your card to another credit card company with a lower interest rate. Many companies offer an introductory low rate on balance transfers for 3, 6 or even 12 months. Shop around and find the best deal for you.

2. Ask for a lower interest rate

You may not know this but many companies would rather lower your interest rate than lose you as a customer.  Call them up and ask for a lower interest rate. It never hurts to ask!

3. Debit instead of credit

Many banks and financial companies such as Visa and MasterCard offer a debit card instead of a credit card. This means that you can use your debit card where credit cards are accepted BUT you spend your own money from your regular bank account rather than using credit.

4. Cancel that card

If your credit card is out of control, cancel it and start making regular repayments. While you’re still accruing interest on the unpaid debt, you will stop spending and increasing your overall debt. This can be a tough if you use your credit card as your primary payment method – but bite the bullet. Out of control debt is bad for you, your family and your future plans and dreams.

5. If you know you're going to miss a payment, be proactive

If you are unable to pay the minimum monthly payment amount, be proactive and call your credit card company. Missed payments, late payments and, worst of all, non-payment can affect your credit rating. Avoid all of this pain by talking to your credit card company and explaining your situation. Most companies are understanding of ups and downs in their customer’s financial situations and will try to work with you. However you will still be accruing interest on your card, so make sure you get on top of those payments fast!

6. Alternative funding

If you’re using your credit card to purchase large, one-of items you may be better off looking for alternative funding such as a personal loan or mini loan. Unless you intend to pay off your credit card within the interest free period, a small loan may be a better alternative for purchasing items like white goods, holidays or to pay car registration.

7. Make payments more often

This is true for any kind of debt that’s accruing interest on a daily basis – from home loans to credit cards. You may only have to pay once a month but if, for example, you are paid fortnightly, schedule payments to your credit card automatically and you have instantly saved on interest. This makes sense if you think about it – paying early reduces the amount of interest accruing earlier.

8. Use cash windfalls to pay down credit card debt

Did you get any money from your tax return? Did you inherit? Get cash as a gift? Get a Christmas bonus? Win on the Melbourne Cup? Sell something you no longer want or need? Use that cash to pay down your debt straight away. Sure, it’s not as muc fun as shouting everyone at the pub but it will be in your best interest in the long term. A windfall now can be a huge saving to your hip pocket.

9. Budget to reduce debt

Most of us think budgets are boring and I’m sure many yawned when reading this. However, a budget can be a simple tool to help you manage your money and pay down debt quickly. You don’t have to be an accountant, just keep track of how much you earn, how much you spend and what you spend it on. You can then adjust and find cheaper alternatives to leave a little extra to pay your debts.

10. If all else fails…

If you’re really stuck and have a credit card debt you can’t pay then it’s probably a bigger problem than just your credit card. Being unable to pay your minimum monthly payment for more than one or two months is a sign of dire financial straits. If you’re not confident you’ll be able to meet your future payments, you need help and fast. Your options are:

1. Earn more money
2. Spend less money
3. Seek professional help

Safe Financial's debt management service is designed to help make your life better! We'll consolidate your debts – this means we pay your creditors (including your credit card company and any other businesses you owe money to) and then you only have one repayment to make and one company to deal with – us! Help is at hand - if your debt is unmanageable and spiraling out of control, book a FREE debt assessment today - what have you got to lose but your debts!