The percentage of people who own at least one credit card increases every year but there again, credit card debt is also at a record high as well; despite the financial problems, card issue is not falling. The problem is it is just too easy to spend money but now people are looking for ways to try and pay off the thousands they owe to the finance companies. It now remains for each individual to realize what a position they are in and find some way to obtain credit card debt relief.

There is no easy way around this but once you have come to this decision you must stop using your card to pay for goods otherwise you will never clear the debts. Credit card debt relief is possible but it does rely on the person actually wanting to do something about the situation. Whilst there are a number of debt consolidation options, the three mentioned below are the most common used for people in similar situations.

The easiest method of debt consolidation is where the person still has a good credit rating and uses another credit card that has a low rate of interest where all the debts can be transferred to one card. A good alternative to this option is a consolidation loan at a low interest rate where the debtor can decide exactly how much they can afford to repay every month after the outstanding debts have been cleared.

The only problem here is that the debtor must be determined enough to stick to the plan they have made until the end. Whilst arranging a new low interest rate card or loan to consolidate debts is the easiest option to take, it is also only available if the person’s credit rating is in tact.

When the situation or poor credit rating occurs, credit card debt relief is unlikely; then it will probably be necessary to contact a company that specializes in negotiating settlements. They will normally suggest a sum of around half the debt be paid off with the remaining amount canceled by the creditors.

If all else fails the debtor is left with bankruptcy to clear the debts but this is not something that should ever be looked upon as the first course of action as there are serious consequences to be considered. This is the last resort for a debtor because once they declare bankruptcy, their credit standing fails and it will be difficult to get further loans; however, the positive aspect of filing for bankruptcy is it enables a fresh start. The lesson to be learned in obtaining credit card debt relief is not to repeat the same mistake twice.