Last checked: 27 September 2026
Start with the whole picture
List every card balance, rate, minimum payment and promotional end date. Also check whether you have priority arrears elsewhere. Do not divert money from rent, mortgage, Council Tax, energy or other priority commitments simply to clear a credit card faster.
Keep required payments up to date where affordable
Missing required payments can lead to charges and credit-file damage. If you cannot afford them, contact the lender and seek free debt advice rather than borrowing again to cover the gap.
Target expensive borrowing
If you have several non-priority debts and can afford all required payments, directing extra money to the highest-interest balance can reduce interest. A smaller-balance-first approach can also work if quick milestones help you stay consistent. Use the Debt Planner to compare the two approaches using the same affordable monthly budget.
Consider cheaper interest carefully
A balance-transfer card may reduce interest for some borrowers, but approval, fees, limits and the promotional end date matter. Do not assume a new credit product will be available or cheaper, and avoid using a transferred card as an excuse to rebuild spending.
Stop the balance growing
Move recurring purchases away from the card where practical, remove stored card details from shopping accounts and build a weekly spending limit from money you actually have. The repayment plan becomes much more effective once new spending stops.
Use extra money deliberately
Refunds, overtime or money from selling unused items can accelerate repayment, but retain enough cash for near-term essentials so an unexpected bill does not immediately return to the card.