o Finding the best interest rate



o Reviewing terms, penalties and fees policies on an account

o Terminating credit card accounts with companies charging the highest rates of interest first

o Paying off but not closing department or independent store accounts

o Maintaining a healthy credit rating and report

o Paying off all outstanding accounts and using credit only where necessary

o Consolidating and paying off debts in full through a single loan

Any process of credit card debt reduction will usualy involve an educational period. This period is usually to train a consumer about the hazards of over spending on consumer credit. The hazards include high rates of interest, extortionate penalties and fees for late or missed payments, damage to credit scores and reports, and the emotional strain of carrying a high burden of debt.

For consumers looking for a plan for credit card debt reduction, the first issue they need to address is the interest rates they are paying on the credit card accounts. Regardless of the type of account, whether it is a large bank issued card, a department store, or even a gas card, there is going to be interest charged on monthly balances. A good plan for credit card debt reduction involves a review of all accounts to see what each is charging. The account with the highest rate of interest should be the first to be paid off. If that account cannot be paid in full the consumer should develop a plan to eliminate the balance as quickly as possible, either by smaller weekly payments, larger monthly payments or an effective combination of both methods.

If a budget does not allow for anything but minimum payments then a consumer must investigate a consolidation loan or program. This will effectively create a method of credit card debt reduction by gathering all outstanding balances into a single loan or account, and through better rates of interest and repayment terms, allow the consumer to eliminate the debt much more quickly.

A credit card debt reduction plan will allow a consumer to maintain or re-establish a healthier credit score and report. This is critical if a consumer is planning on larger borrowing in their future, such as a car loan, college loan or even a mortgage or re-finance.

One issue that is not so well-known or commonly discussed is the effect of closing credit accounts on a credit report or score. Credit ratings are figured by the total amount of consumer debt available to an individual versus how much of their consumer debt they are using. If too much revolving debt is being used a consumer can have a poor rating, whereas many up to date accounts with a zero balance reflect well on the consumer credit report. So it is best to leave accounts open, even if there are no plans to utilize the credit.

Credit card debt reduction is an excellent way to take better control over personal and household finances, while improving credit scores and freeing up income.

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