Your debt has a way forward.
There are practical ways to make progress with debt. Explore payoff strategies, consolidation options, and next steps designed around your goals.
What kind of debt are you trying to pay off?
Start with the type of debt you'd like to pay off. We'll help you explore the strategies most commonly used for your situation.
Ways to get out of debt
The right approach depends on what you owe, your interest rates, and how quickly you want to pay it off.
| Strategy | Summary | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidate your debt | Combine multiple debts into one payment. | Multiple high-interest debts | That's me |
| Transfer your balance | Move balances to a lower introductory APR. | Good credit and credit card debt | That's me |
| Debt snowball | Pay off the smallest balances first. | Building motivation | That's me |
| Debt avalanche | Prioritize the highest interest rates first. | Minimizing interest costs | That's me |
| Work with a credit counselor | Work with a nonprofit credit counselor. | Structured repayment without new borrowing | That's me |
| Negotiate your debt | Negotiate to pay less than you owe. | Significant financial hardship | That's me |
Common questions about getting out of debt
What's the fastest way to pay off debt?+
For pure speed and cost, the avalanche method (highest interest first) wins. If you need motivation to keep going, the snowball (smallest balance first) often works better in practice.
Should I consolidate or pay debts off individually?+
Consolidating helps when it lowers your rate and simplifies payments, and you don't re-run the balances. Otherwise a focused snowball/avalanche can be just as effective.
Will paying off debt hurt my credit?+
No. Paying down balances lowers your utilization and generally helps your score. A new consolidation loan adds a temporary inquiry, then usually nets positive.
How long does it take to become debt-free?+
It depends on your balances, rate, and how much you can put toward debt each month. A plan makes the timeline concrete. That's the point of starting with one.
Answer a few questions and we'll point you to the payoff move that fits your situation.