And if you re already in command of the leash, these tips will help you stay there. Migrate to lower interest. If you re carrying a balance on more than one card, pay off the highest-interest card first. You might also try applying for a new, lower-interest card whose issuer is willing to assume the entire debt on an old card. But read the fine print.
Many cards come with a low introductory rate that gets jacked up after a few months.
If you re unable to pay off the debt before the sweet deal ends, you could wind up worse off than you started. Make more than the minimum payment. The minimum payment printed on your bill is ingeniously calculated to ensure that you pay the highest interest for the longest time. It s your enemy. If you can t pay off the entire balance, pay as much as you can.