lower credit card interest rates

Credit Card Debt Consolidation

About Us   |   Contact Us   |   FAQ   |   Articles

How to Benefit From Credit Card Debt Consolidation

Could you benefit from credit card debt consolidation? If you are like most Americans, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.” If you are carrying debt on several different cards, you may want the convenience of consolidating into one payment. If you have high debt loads and high interest, you may simply be looking for relief. In any case, there are a myriad of options for consumers who are looking to consolidate credit card debt.

Benefits of Consolidating

What are the benefits of consolidating your debt? The benefits that you will see depend on the consolidation option that you choose. However, there are several commonly sought after benefits. Many consumers are looking for a lower monthly payment. High interest, high debt loads, and rising minimum payments all result in higher monthly payments for credit card holders. Combined with a tight budget and other rising costs, this creates a problem for many consumers and they want relief. Other consumers are simply looking for lower interest rates. Still others would like the convenience of just one monthly payment.

Drawbacks of Consolidating

What are the potential negative aspects of consolidating your credit cards? As with the benefits, the potential drawbacks depend on which consolidation option you choose.

Refinancing/Home Equity Loan: This option can result in a lower monthly payment, the convenience of one payment, and a potentially lower interest rate. However, with this option you are turning your unsecured credit card debts into a debt that is secured by your home, thus risking foreclosure if you are unable to make your payments. In addition, you must own a home and have equity in it to even be able to consider this option. You must also have adequate credit to be able to qualify for a home loan.

Personal (Unsecured) Loan: With a personal loan, you do not have to own a home and you are not turning your credit cards into secured debts. However, it can still be difficult to qualify for this type of loan if you have negative items on your credit. If you have a large amount of debt, it can also be difficult to obtain a loan large enough to consolidate all of your debt. You will also have a higher interest rate than you would with a home equity loan.

Debt Management Plan: If all of your credit cards have been charged off to collection agencies, or if you have plenty of money to pay off your debts but are simply looking for a lower interest rate, then a debt management plan may not be for you. On the other hand, if you have been unable to gain on your debts for some time, a debt management plan can provide you with the benefits you need to eliminate credit card debt for good.

Debt management plans require you to stick with a payment schedule and to commit to maintaining a healthy budget. This is made easier because most debt management plans can be developed so that you can make a lower minimum payment that consolidates all of your other credit card payments.

Whether you are choosing one of the above options or something else, an accredited credit counselor can help you decide which credit card debt consolidation option is best for you.


Privacy  |  Legal

Free Debt Consolidation Help
Debt Consolidation Information
Debt Free Options
Best Credit Card Debt Help
Debt Consolidation Plan
Credit Card Debt Reduction Services
Free Credit Card Debt Help
Debt Management Plan

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

© 2007-2012 Personal Financial Network, Inc. All rights reserved.