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Falling Behind on Credit Cards? Take These Steps To Recover Faster

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Fix a bad situation with your credit cards before it gets worse

Getting out of credit card debt can be a traumatic experience. You may feel like you’re never going to get ahead, and the interest payments can be crushing. Not to mention, the curveballs that life throws at you can get you deeper into debt.

But, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. In fact, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that millions of Americans carry credit card debt, and many of them struggle to make their payments on time each month.

The good news is that there are things you can do to get back on track. In this blog, we will discuss some tips that can help you recover faster if you’re falling behind on your credit card payments.

Contact a Nonprofit Credit Counselor & Consolidate Your Credit Cards

Nonprofit credit counseling organizations, like Money Fit, are an excellent resource for individuals beginning to fall behind on their credit card payments. The first step we recommend is to develop a plan to pay off your debt with the help of a nonprofit credit counseling organization. A credit counselor can help you consolidate your credit card debt, as well as other unsecured financial obligations.

If you choose to do this step on your own, you’ll want to start by creating a budget that includes your income and expenses. This will help you see where your money is going and where you can cut back to free up some extra cash to put toward your credit card debt. Once you have a plan, you can look at your options for paying off your debt. Keep in mind, you’ll need to contact your creditors directly to determine if they are willing to assist you with items such as reducing interest rates, lowering payment amounts, or stopping any additional fees occurring due to the cards being past due.

In any case, the most important thing is to devise a plan that you can stick to. Paying off your debt will not happen overnight, but if you’re committed to making it happen, you can get out of debt and improve your financial situation.

Learn Your Interest Rates and Pay Off Highest-rate Cards First

Interest rates on credit cards can vary widely, so it’s important to know what you’re paying before you start making payments. Generally, paying off your debts with the highest interest rates first is best, especially if you have multiple credit card debts. This will help you save the most money and eliminate your debt in the shortest amount of time.

Consider Refinancing Your Credit Card Debt

The option to pay for the interest only may be convenient, but its greater risk is that you could end up wasting your money. If you have a good credit score, you may be able to refinance your credit card debt at a lower interest rate.

You can use a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt. This can be a good option if you qualify for a low-interest rate and you’re able to make the payments on time each month.

Whatever option you choose, be sure to compare interest rates, fees, and terms before you decide. You don’t want to end up in a worse financial situation by refinancing your debt.

Double Your Minimum Payment

If you’re only making the minimum payment on your credit card debt, it will take a long time to pay it off. In fact, you could end up paying more in interest than the original amount of debt.

One way to speed up the process is to double your minimum payment. This will help you pay off your debt faster and save money on interest.

If you can’t afford to double your minimum payment, even increasing it by a small amount can make a big difference. Any extra money you can put towards your debt will help you pay it off faster and save money in the long run.

Rework Your Budget

If you’re struggling to make your minimum payments, it’s time to reconsider your budget. There may be some areas where you can cut back to free up more money for your debt. The key is prioritizing your spending and ensuring you’re putting your money towards the most important things.

You may want to consider cutting back on your entertainment expenses. This could include going out to eat, going to the movies, or subscribing to streaming services.

You may also want to consider cutting back on your transportation expenses. If you have a car, you may be able to save money by taking public transportation instead.

Apply Extra Money Found in Your Budget to Your Payment

If you have any extra money in your budget, apply it to your credit card payment. This will help you pay off your debt faster and save money on interest.

One way to free up extra money in your budget is to eliminate unnecessary expenses. This could include things like gym memberships, eating out, getting coffee from coffee shops, and getting your hair and nails frequently done. Deciding to cut back significantly frees up extra money in your budget as well.

Consider a Temporary Second Job

If you’re serious about getting out of debt, you may consider taking on a temporary second job. This can be a great way to generate extra income for your debt.

There are many ways to find temporary second jobs. You can search online job boards or contact companies directly to inquire about seasonal positions. You may also want to consider taking on freelance work.

If you’re able to find a temporary second job, be sure to put all of the extra income toward your debt. It may be a bit of a sacrifice in the short term, but it can help you get out of debt faster and improve your financial situation.

Split Your Payment in Half and Pay Twice

If you’re struggling to make your monthly credit card payment, consider splitting it in half and paying twice a month. This can help you stay current on your payments and avoid falling behind.

Paying twice a month can also help you save money on interest. Interest is typically charged daily, so you can reduce the amount of interest you’re charged by making two payments instead of one.

Talk With Your Creditors

You must talk with your creditors if you’re struggling to make your credit card payments. They may be able to offer you options that can help you better manage your debt.

For example, your creditor may be willing to lower your interest rate or waive late fees. They may also be willing to work out a payment plan that fits your budget.

It can be daunting to ask as it could further affect your credit score, but it’s crucial to reach out for help if you’re struggling. Your creditors want you to be able to repay your debt, and they may be willing to work with you to find a solution.

Transfer Your Balance to a 0% Credit Card

If you’re struggling to pay off your credit card debt, you may consider transferring your balance to a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) credit card. This can help you save money on interest and make it easier to repay your debt.

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering this option. First, find a credit card with 0% APR for balance transfers. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re able to pay off your debt before the introductory period ends.

Transferring your balance to a 0% APR credit card can be a great way to save money on interest and get out of debt faster. Just be sure to research and understand the terms of the credit card before you transfer.

Final Thoughts

Credit card debt can be a difficult thing to manage. If you’re struggling to make your payments, you can take several steps to get back on track. From finding extra money in your budget to taking on a temporary second job, several options are available to you.

The most important thing is to take action and not let your debt get out of control. Taking these steps can help you get back on track and improve your financial situation.

About the Author

Picture of Rick Munster

Rick Munster

Rick Munster is a personal finance expert and author with over 21 years of experience in the credit counseling industry. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Financial Counseling Association of America and has written over 200 articles on personal finance. Rick's expertise has been recognized by several prominent online organizations, which have quoted him on issues related to credit counseling, debt management, and financial education. With more than 20 years of experience at Money Fit, a non-profit credit counseling organization, Rick has established himself as a trusted authority in the field of personal finance.
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6213 N. Cloverdale Rd, Suite 130, Boise, ID 83713
Money Fit is a nationwide nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We do not lend money.

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Client Credit Report Authorization

You hereby authorize and instruct Debt Reduction Services, Inc. (DRS, dba Money Fit by DRS) and/or its assigned agents to:
  • Obtain and review your credit report, and
  • Request verifications of your income and rental history, and any other information deemed necessary for improving your housing situation (for example, verifying your annual property tax obligations and homeowner’s insurance fees)
Your credit report will be obtained from a credit reporting agency chosen by DRS. You understand and agree that DRS intends to use the credit report evaluate your financial readiness to purchase or rent a home and/or to engage in post-purchase counseling activities and not to grant credit. You understand you may ask any questions pertaining to your credit report. However, while DRS will review the information with you, the company is not able to furnish you with a copy of your credit profile. You hereby authorize DRS to share your information from your credit report and any information that you provided (including any computations and assessments produced) with the entities listed below to help DRS determine your viable financial options.
  • Banks
  • Counseling Agencies
  • Debt Collectors
  • Landlords
  • Lenders
  • Mortgage Servicers
  • Property Management Companies
  • Public Housing Authorities
  • Social Service Agencies
Entities such as mortgage lenders and/or counseling agencies may contact your DRS counselor to evaluate the options for which you may be eligible. In connection with such evaluation, you authorize the credit reporting and/or financial agencies to release information and cooperate with your DRS counselor. No information will be discussed about you with entities not directly involved in your efforts to improve your housing situation. You hereby authorize the release of your information to program monitoring organizations of DRS, including but not limited to, Federal, State, and nonprofit partners for program review, monitoring, auditing, research, and/or oversight purposes. In addition, you authorize DRS to have your credit report pulled two additional times to conduct program evaluations. You also agree to keep DRS informed of any changes in address, telephone number, job status, marital status, or other conditions which may affect your eligibility for a program you have applied for or a counseling service that you are seeking. Finally, you understand that you may revoke consent to these disclosures by notifying DRS in writing.

Client Privacy, Data Security, and Client Rights Policy

NOTE: This sheet is to inform new or returning clients about our services, records, fees, and limitations that may affect you as a consumer of our services. This form also discloses how we might release your information to other agencies and/or regulators. If you do not understand a statement, please ask a Debt Reduction Services (DRS) counselor for assistance.

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. (DRS) has put into place policies and procedures to protect the security and confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information. This notice explains our online information practices and how we use and maintain your information to conduct our financial education and credit counseling sessions and to fulfill information and question requests. This privacy policy complies with federal laws and regulations.

To provide our financial education and credit counseling services, we collect nonpublic personal information about you as follows: 1) Information we receive from you, 2) Information about your transactions with us or others, and 3) Information we receive from your creditors or a consumer reporting agency. We do not share this information with outside parties.

We use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our website and services, but we do not disclose anything that could be used to identify you as an individual.

You hereby authorize DRS, when necessary, to share your nonpublic personal, financial, credit, and any information that you provided (including any computations and assessments produced) with the following entities in order to help DRS provide you with appropriate counseling or guide you to appropriate services: third parties such as government agencies, your lender(s), your creditor(s), and nonprofit housing-related and other financial agencies as permitted by law, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online. We limit access to your nonpublic personal information to our employees, contractors and agents who need such access to provide products or services to you or for other legitimate business purposes.

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. complies with the privacy requirements set forth in the HUD housing counseling agency handbook 7610.1 (05/2010), including the sections 2-2 Mc, 3-1 H(2), 3-3, 5-3 F, and Attachment A.5. At all times, we will comply with all additional laws and regulations to which we are subject regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of individually identifiable information.

  1. Services: DRS provides the following housing-related services: counseling that includes Homeless Assistance, Rental Topics, Pre-purchase/Homebuying, and Home Maintenance and Financial Management for Homeowners (Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase); Education courses that include Financial literacy (including home affordability, budgeting, and understanding use of credit), Predatory lending, loan scam or other fraud prevention, Fair housing, Rental topics, Pre-purchase homebuyer education, Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop (including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners), and other workshops not listed above.

Please refer to DebtReductionServices.org for details of our services.

  1. Limits: Our services are limited to our normal weekday business hours. We do not provide individual counseling or education services after hours or on weekends, although our education courses are available 24/7.
  2. Fees: We do not charge fees for our financial management counseling and education. However, if you use them, you may have to pay for our Debt Management Program, Student Loan Counseling, Bankruptcy Certificate Services or certain financial education courses (homebuyer education, rental topics, fair housing, predatory lending, and post-purchase-non-delinquency including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners).
  3. Records: We maintain records of the services you receive, including notes about your progress or other relevant information to your work with us. You have the right to access and view your records by making a request to your counselor.
  4. Confidentiality: We respect your privacy and offer our services in confidence with the understanding that we may share such information with auditors and government regulators. Certain laws or situations may also lead to disclosing confidential issues, such as those involving potential child abuse or neglect, threats to harm self or others, or court subpoenas.
  5. Refusal of Services: You have the right to refuse services without any penalty or loss.
  6. Disclosure of Policies and Practices: You will be provided our agency disclosure statement.
  7. Sharing of Information: Sometimes we will need to contact other agencies or we may need to share your information, including your records, with other agencies or with regulators. We will do this only if you sign this form that gives us permission except for limited reasons; please see # 5 above for examples of such situations.
  8. Other: You have the right to be treated with respect by our staff, and we expect the same from you in return. We encourage you to always ask questions if something is not clear. We also encouraged you to express your thoughts and advocate throughout our services.

You acknowledge that this authorization will remain in effect for the duration of time that DRS serves as your housing counselor or financial education provider. You also acknowledge that should you wish to terminate this authorization, you will notify DRS in writing.

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Disclosure  Statement

NOTE: If you have an impairment, disability, language barrier, or otherwise require an alternative means of completing this form or accessing information about our counseling services, please communicate with your DRS representative about arranging alternative accommodations.

Program Disclosure Form

Disclosure to Client for HUD Housing Counseling Services

Debt Reduction Services, Inc. and its financial education arm, Money Fit by DRS, offer the following housing counseling and educational services related to housing, personal finance, and bankruptcy certificates to consumers:
  • Housing Education Courses: DRS offers many online self-guided education programs classified as Financial, Budgeting, and Credit Workshops (FBC), Fair Housing Pre-Purchase Education Workshops (FHW), Homelessness Prevention Workshops (HMW), Non-Delinquency Post Purchase Workshops (NDW), Predatory Lending Education Workshops (PLW), Pre-purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops (PPW), and Rental Housing Workshops (RHW). These courses help participants increase their knowledge of and skills in personal finance, including home affordability, budgeting, and understanding the use of credit, as well as predatory lending, loan scams, and other fraud prevention topics, fair housing, rental topics, pre-purchase homebuyer education, non-delinquency post-purchase topics including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners, homeless prevention workshop, and other workshops not listed above relating to personal finance and housing. Course details are found below under “Housing Workshops.”
  • Home Equity Conversation Mortgage (HECM) Counseling (RMC): Via telephone and virtual platforms, we offer the required HECM counseling nationwide in addition to in-person counseling in Boise, Idaho. We also offer in-home counseling options in thirty counties across southern Idaho for an additional fee to cover our travel and additional staff time costs.
  • Home Maintenance and Financial Management for Homeowners (Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase) (FBC): Clients receive counseling and materials on the proper maintenance of their home and mortgage refinancing. Clients can find help and resources by phone, in our Boise office, or virtually on all topics related to stabilizing their long-term homeownership.
  • Services for Homeless Counseling (HMC): Clients receive phone, virtual, or in-person (Boise) counseling to evaluate their current housing needs, identify barriers to and goals for housing stability, establish a path to self-sufficiency, and connect with emergency shelters, income-appropriate housing, and/or other community resources (e.g. mental healthcare, job training, transportation, etc.).
  • Pre-Purchase Counseling (PPC): Clients receive counseling through the entire homebuying process. Assistance may involve creating a sustainable household budget, understanding mortgage options, building their credit rating, and putting together a realistic action plan to set and achieve homeownership goals.  Additionally, clients will receive materials and resources about home inspections and other homeownership topics relevant to successfully maintaining a home.
  • Rental Housing Counseling (RHC): Via phone, in-person appointments (Boise, ID), or virtual platforms, clients receive housing counseling relevant to renting, including rent subsidies from HUD or other government and assistance programs. Topics can also address issues and concerns having to do with fair housing, landlord and tenant laws, lease terms, rent delinquency, household budgeting, and finding alternate housing.
DRS also offers the following services:
  • A Debt Management Program (DMP) for consumers struggling to pay their credit cards, collections, medical debts, personal loans, old utility bills, and past-due cell phone accounts;
  • The Budget Briefing and Debtor Education Certificates that are required during the Bankruptcy filing process;
  • A Student Loan Repayment Plan Counseling and application service.

Relationships with Industry Partners

Through such services, DRS has established financial relationships with hundreds of banks, credit unions, and creditors such as American Express, Bank of America, Barclays, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, Credit One, Discover, Synchrony, US Bank, USAA, Wells Fargo, and others.

No Client Obligation

The client is not obligated to receive, purchase or utilize any other services offered by DRS or its exclusive partners to receive financial education or housing counseling services. Alternatives: As a condition of our counseling services, in alignment with meeting our client services goals, and in compliance with HUD’s Housing Counseling Program requirements, we may provide information on alternative services, programs, and products available to you, if applicable and known by our staff. Alternative DMP services include negotiating better repayment terms directly with your individual creditors, paying your debts as agreed, or, in extreme cases, filing for personal bankruptcy. Alternative credit and education services can be found through MyMoney.gov or the Jump$tart Clearinghouse of online financial education resources. Housing counseling alternatives can be found through HUD at www.hud.gov/findacounselor.
Finally, you understand that you may revoke consent to these disclosures by notifying DRS in writing.
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Housing Counseling and Education Fee Schedule

 

Online Education Program Fees*

Homebuyer Education Course: $59 per participant

  • Self-paced course available here, our online housing counseling and education center. Certificates will be automatically generated upon completion of the course (approximately 6-8 hours)

Rental, Fair Housing, Predatory Lending / HOEPA, Post-Purchase (Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop, including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners) Online Workshops: $49 per participant

  • Approximately 1 hour each

Other Self-Guided Financial Literacy Webinars (e.g. credit, budgeting, homeless prevention, debt prevention): $0

One-on-one Counseling Fees*

Pre-purchase Homebuying Counseling, Rental Counseling, Post-purchase Ownership Maintenance and Financial Management: $75

  • Session by the hour

Reverse Mortgage/HECM Counseling with Required Certificate:

  • $200†

Credit Report Fee: Paid Directly by Client

*Fees for all but our online education courses and workshops can be paid online by debit card, credit card, or PayPal or in person by cash, check or money order to: “Debt Reduction Services, Inc.” Registration fees are non-refundable 24 hours or less before the start of an in-person course or workshop. Certificates are non-transferable

*Fees may be waived for households with income of 150% or less of that identified on the US Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Page

†Home visit counseling is available in 30 southern Idaho counties for potential HECM borrowers at additional costs to cover our travel (IRS reimbursement rates apply) and staff time ($50 per hour or fraction there).

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Housing Counseling and Education Fee Schedule

 

Online Education Program Fees*

Homebuyer Education Course: $59 per participant

  • Self-paced course available here, our online housing counseling and education center. Certificates will be automatically generated upon completion of the course (approximately 6-8 hours)

Rental, Fair Housing, Predatory Lending / HOEPA, Post-Purchase (Non-delinquency post-purchase workshop, including home maintenance and/or financial management for homeowners) Online Workshops: $49 per participant

  • Approximately 1 hour each

Other Self-Guided Financial Literacy Webinars (e.g. credit, budgeting, homeless prevention, debt prevention): $0

One-on-one Counseling Fees*

Pre-purchase Homebuying Counseling, Rental Counseling, Post-purchase Ownership Maintenance and Financial Management: $75

  • Session by the hour

Reverse Mortgage/HECM Counseling with Required Certificate:

  • $200†

Credit Report Fee: Paid Directly by Client

*Fees for all but our online education courses and workshops can be paid online by debit card, credit card, or PayPal or in person by cash, check or money order to: “Debt Reduction Services, Inc.” Registration fees are non-refundable 24 hours or less before the start of an in-person course or workshop. Certificates are non-transferable

*Fees may be waived for households with income of 150% or less of that identified on the US Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines Page

†Home visit counseling is available in 30 southern Idaho counties for potential HECM borrowers at additional costs to cover our travel (IRS reimbursement rates apply) and staff time ($50 per hour or fraction there).