{"id":27339,"date":"2025-06-03T11:58:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T11:58:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/?p=27339"},"modified":"2025-06-03T11:58:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T11:58:28","slug":"how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Pay Off Credit Card Debt? &#8211; 5 Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the UK, the average consumer spent \u00a3790 on credit cards in February 2025. The average credit card balance per household was \u00a32,572 in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paying off credit card debt can seem like an uphill battle, and it\u2019s not something to be taken lightly. Various debt repayment strategies can be used to pay off persistent credit card debt. These strategies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/debt-consolidation-loans-for-bad-credit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Debt consolidation loan<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balance transfer credit card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debt snowball method<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debt avalanche method<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debt management plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The above tactics have been widely successful in paying down any debit \u2013 big or small. In this blog post, we\u2019ll break down how to pay off credit card debt and will help you with a few tips to get out of a debt spiral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f27099c9bab\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f27099c9bab\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#how_is_credit_card_debt_built_up\" >How is credit card debt built up?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#top_5_credit_card_debt_repayment_strategies\" >Top 5 credit card debt repayment strategies<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#1_consolidate_debt_with_personal_loan\" >1. Consolidate debt with personal loan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#2_use_balance_transfer_credit_card\" >2. Use balance transfer credit card<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#3_pay_off_the_smallest_balance_first_debt_snowball_method\" >3. Pay off the smallest balance first \/ debt snowball method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#4_pay_off_high_interest_debt_first_debt_avalanche_method\" >4. Pay off high interest debt first \/ debt avalanche method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#5_debt_management_plan\" >5. Debt management plan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#tips_for_paying_off_credit_card_debt_faster\" >Tips for paying off credit card debt faster<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#1_create_a_budget_and_stick_to_it\" >1. Create a budget and stick to it<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#2_target_one_debt_at_a_time\" >2. Target one debt at a time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#3_pay_more_than_the_minimum\" >3. Pay more than the minimum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#4_find_ways_to_make_extra_cash_on_the_side\" >4. Find ways to make extra cash on the side<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#5_review_your_spending\" >5. Review your spending<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#final_verdict\" >Final verdict!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#faqs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#what_happens_if_i_cannot_pay_off_my_credit_card_debt\" >What happens if I cannot pay off my credit card debt?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#does_having_credit_card_debt_have_an_impact_on_my_credit_score\" >Does having credit card debt have an impact on my credit score?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#in_the_future_what_can_i_do_to_reduce_credit_card_debt\" >In the future, what can I do to reduce credit card debt?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-credit-card-debt\/#do_credit_scores_increase_if_the_debt_is_paid_at_once\" >Do credit scores increase if the debt is paid at once?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_is_credit_card_debt_built_up\"><\/span><strong>How is credit card debt built up?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"532\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-Is-Credit-Card-Debt-Built-Up.jpg\" alt=\"How Is Credit Card Debt Built Up\" class=\"wp-image-27341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-Is-Credit-Card-Debt-Built-Up.jpg 532w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-Is-Credit-Card-Debt-Built-Up-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-Is-Credit-Card-Debt-Built-Up-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/How-Is-Credit-Card-Debt-Built-Up-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no definite answer to this question, as it varies from person to person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, credit card debts are often caused by overspending. This might be making purchases beyond your means or not keeping up with payments. Interest can quickly add up and lead to a snowball effect of debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The inability to budget appropriately is another factor that causes debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your debt will also build up quickly if you can\u2019t make a monthly minimum payment on time and\/or miss several payments. In the UK, credit card companies can increase your interest rate if you fall behind on payments. This makes it even harder to pay off the debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paying off your credit card debt may seem daunting, but it&#8217;s achievable. There\u2019s no quick fix. It can take years. However, with dedication and perseverance, you can work your way to becoming debt-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"top_5_credit_card_debt_repayment_strategies\"><\/span><strong>Top 5 credit card debt repayment strategies<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most effective way of dealing with credit card balance depends on the individual situation. However, here are some popular strategies to help you figure out how to pay off credit card debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_consolidate_debt_with_personal_loan\"><\/span><strong>1. Consolidate debt with personal loan<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have multiple debts, such as multiple <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-do-credit-cards-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">credit cards<\/a><\/strong>, you can take a debt consolidation loan and merge several loans into one manageable loan. This gives you the advantage of having just one monthly repayment instead of multiple, helping you avoid the hassle of keeping track of different amounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also usually comes with a lower interest rate than given by credit card providers, helping you save money in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, if you need better credit, this is also a good option, as there are particular consolidation loans for people with poor credit scores. Studies show that consolidation loans could be a great way to reduce the amount you\u2019re paying monthly and can help boost your credit rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_use_balance_transfer_credit_card\"><\/span><strong>2. Use balance transfer credit card<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have credit card debt with an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) higher than 15%, it\u2019s worth considering a balance transfer card. These cards with introductory 0% APR promotions provide great value with some offers lasting a year or longer. Giving you a interest free period and hopefully helping you pay off the debt quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take advantage of balance transfer cards by transferring your existing credit card debt onto one with a lower interest rate. This method helps you save money on the overall repayment amount. However, be aware that some balance transfer cards charge a transfer fee, which is usually a percentage of the transferred amount. Make sure to factor this cost into your decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You just have to remember that the introductory period will eventually end, so be sure to pay off the debt before that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_pay_off_the_smallest_balance_first_debt_snowball_method\"><\/span><strong>3. Pay off the smallest balance first \/ debt snowball method<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"532\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pay-off-the-smallest-balance-first.jpg\" alt=\"Pay off the smallest balance first\" class=\"wp-image-27342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pay-off-the-smallest-balance-first.jpg 532w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pay-off-the-smallest-balance-first-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pay-off-the-smallest-balance-first-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pay-off-the-smallest-balance-first-265x198.jpg 265w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The debt snowball method focuses on paying off your smallest debts first, while still making minimum payments on larger debts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the smallest balance is paid off, move on to your next debt and use the same approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue this process until all debts have been cleared up. This method works well for people who need the motivation to keep pushing forward and helps reduce the amount of money you owe faster as you\u2019re focusing on one debt at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_pay_off_high_interest_debt_first_debt_avalanche_method\"><\/span><strong>4. Pay off high interest debt first \/ debt avalanche method<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The debt avalanche method is almost identical to the snowball approach, except it focuses on the high-interest debt first. Instead of targeting the lowest balance first, you begin by tackling your highest interest-rate credit cards first and then move on to lower ones thereafter. By paying off your debt this way, you save more money in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not just that, but it can also be a great way to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-pay-off-a-loan-early\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pay off debt faster<\/a><\/strong>. You\u2019ll still need to make minimum payments on all other cards, but you can use any extra cash to pay off the debt with the most interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_debt_management_plan\"><\/span><strong>5. Debt management plan<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is a financial strategy that consolidates all your credit card debt into one easy-to-manage monthly payment. It can also include debts such as overdrafts, utility bills, etc. A DMP is designed to reduce the debt\u2019s interest rate, resulting in a quicker repayment schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This option works best for those with multiple debts who want to reduce the interest rate and simplify their repayment process into one monthly payment. Plus, it can help you avoid late fees, over-limit charges, or any other penalties associated with your debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be aware that interest rates and product offerings can change. For example, some banks have recently increased their credit card interest rates. It&#8217;s advisable to review the latest terms and conditions of any financial products before making a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tips_for_paying_off_credit_card_debt_faster\"><\/span><strong>Tips for paying off credit card debt faster<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some tips to help you pay off your credit card debt faster, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/what-affects-your-credit-score\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">boost your credit score<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_create_a_budget_and_stick_to_it\"><\/span><strong>1. Create a budget and stick to it<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tackle your debt with a plan. Create a budget to determine the amount you can pay each month and do your best to stick to it. It\u2019s essential to set realistic goals that you know you can achieve. Otherwise, setting too high or impracticable goals can overwhelm or discourage you from continuing your debt-free journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you can start small by setting aside a certain monthly amount to pay off your debt. Then as you progress, look for ways to increase your savings and make additional payments when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_target_one_debt_at_a_time\"><\/span><strong>2. Target one debt at a time<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By targeting one debt at a time, you can ensure you are paying off the highest interest rate first and reducing the amount you owe in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In case you have two credit cards, concentrate on settling the one with the highest interest rate sooner and make minimum payments on the other. This will help you get out of debt faster and save more money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_pay_more_than_the_minimum\"><\/span><strong>3. Pay more than the minimum<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You should always aim to make minimum repayments on your credit card bills each month. If possible, paying more than the minimum on your credit card repayments will help you get out of debt faster and save money in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_find_ways_to_make_extra_cash_on_the_side\"><\/span><strong>4. Find ways to make extra cash on the side<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to pay off credit card debt in UK is by finding ways to make some extra cash on the side. This could be anything from a part-time job, freelance gigs, or selling items you no longer need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any additional income can directly reduce your debt faster and with fewer expenses. Plus, it\u2019s always good to have multiple streams of income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_review_your_spending\"><\/span><strong>5. Review your spending<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, it\u2019s essential to review your spending habits and look for ways to cut back. Small changes can make a significant difference in the long run. This includes making coffee at home instead of buying from a cafe or eating out less often. Track your expenses and look for ways to reduce them. Use online or offline platforms to budget your money and understand where to save.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider reviewing and cancelling any unnecessary subscriptions to free up extra cash for debt repayment. Additionally, transferring your balance to a 0% interest balance transfer card can help you pay off your debt faster without accruing additional interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"final_verdict\"><\/span><strong>Final verdict!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With the right plan and attitude, you can pay off credit card debt quicker than you think! Consider the methods above to reduce your debt and create a plan that works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faqs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1748951860333\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_happens_if_i_cannot_pay_off_my_credit_card_debt\"><\/span><strong>What happens if I cannot pay off my credit card debt?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Contact your credit card company immediately if you can\u2019t pay your monthly minimum credit card balance. They may be able to help you come up with a payment arrangement or provide alternatives to help you get back on track.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1748951864542\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"does_having_credit_card_debt_have_an_impact_on_my_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>Does having credit card debt have an impact on my credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Having credit card debt can hurt your credit score. If you have credit card debt, paying at least the minimum monthly payment and paying off your balance as soon as possible is the best thing you can do.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1748951870934\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"in_the_future_what_can_i_do_to_reduce_credit_card_debt\"><\/span><strong>In the future, what can I do to reduce credit card debt?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Try setting up automated fixed monthly payments, so you don\u2019t miss any due dates. Make sure your monthly credit card balance is below your limit and within what you can afford. Find ways to make extra cash on the side and review your spending habits.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1748951875494\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do_credit_scores_increase_if_the_debt_is_paid_at_once\"><\/span><strong>Do credit scores increase if the debt is paid at once?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Paying off your credit card debt in full can positively impact your credit score over time. However, improvements may not be immediate, as credit scores consider various factors, including payment history and credit utilization.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong>: The information given above is provided for reference only. This is not financial advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the UK, the average consumer spent \u00a3790 on credit cards in February 2025. The average credit card balance per household was \u00a32,572 in 2025. Paying off credit card debt can seem like an uphill battle, and it\u2019s not something to be taken lightly. Various debt repayment strategies can be used to pay off persistent [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":27343,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[267],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27339","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-loans"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27339"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27339"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27339\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28107,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27339\/revisions\/28107"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27339"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27339"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27339"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}