Compare your debt options

When a tool here suggests an option could help, this is where to look. We don't push the highest-commission product — we explain the category that fits, and what to compare before you sign anything.

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Debt consolidation loans

Best when you have several high-rate cards and qualify for a meaningfully lower fixed rate. You get one payment and a guaranteed payoff date. Run your numbers first →

Low-rate personal loan

Fixed APR, 24–60 month terms. Look for no origination fee and no prepayment penalty.

Best for: $5,000–$50,000 of card debt · good-to-excellent credit

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Credit-union loan

Often the lowest rates and most flexible terms — and they'll work with fair credit more readily than banks.

Best for: fair credit · members or those willing to join

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Balance-transfer cards

Best when you can clear the balance during the 0% intro window. Mind the transfer fee and the post-intro rate. Check if you'll beat the clock →

Long 0% intro card

Prioritize the longest intro window (18–21 months) with the lowest transfer fee you can find.

Best for: balances you can clear in ~18 months · good credit

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No-fee transfer card

Rarer, but a card with no transfer fee can beat a longer-intro card with a 5% fee on smaller balances.

Best for: smaller balances where the fee would dominate

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Nonprofit credit counseling

If your credit is too damaged to qualify for a good loan, a nonprofit credit counseling agency can set up a debt management plan and negotiate lower rates. Look for agencies accredited by the NFCC.

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Accredited nonprofit counseling

A free initial consultation and a structured plan. Confirm nonprofit status and accreditation before sharing details.

Best for: high debt loads · damaged credit · needing structure

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Before you apply to anything: run the relevant calculator, compare the total cost (not the monthly payment), and read When consolidation is a trap. The best option is the one that gets you to zero for the least money — which isn't always the one with the biggest ad budget.

Listings describe product categories for educational comparison and are not offers of credit, endorsements, or guarantees of approval or rate. Confirm all terms directly with the provider.