Do you have credit card debt? Many Americans do—to the tune of more than $1 trillion collectively, according to the Federal Reserve. And more than 40% of balances are not paid off each month.
That can be a financial challenge, but it’s not a life sentence. Take these steps toward paying off credit cards:
Most people don’t like thinking about debt, but a little planning can make it less uncomfortable. Accounting for your budget and card balance, decide when you want to have everything paid off and track your progress. A sense of accomplishment each month helps motivate you toward paying off credit cards.
Once you have your goal, set your strategy. One place to start is with a “snow” strategy for your credit cards:
Take a critical look at your wants versus needs. Make simple moves, such as cutting your daily coffee shop habit, preparing more meals at home, or canceling your cable or movie-streaming services. Take your budget seriously and make it a priority to only charge to your credit card what you can pay off each month.
With a big balance, it can seem like the credit card company is doing you a favor by setting such a reasonable minimum payment. But when you pay only the minimum, interest adds up because only a small fraction of the amount you pay goes to your principal. Taking the “extra” money from cutting back on expenses and putting it toward paying off credit cards is beneficial in the long run and can help you achieve your goals faster.
If your credit card offers cash-back rewards, put that money toward your bill. It will likely be only a small percentage of the total that you owe, but think of it as a discount on your debt.
Many credit cards offer new customers an introductory period of low, or even zero, interest rates when you transfer your balance from another card. If you qualify, this could give you months to pay down what you owe, with every penny going toward your principal.
Trade the high interest rates of many credit cards for the more manageable rates of a personal loan. You’ll still have to pay interest, but more of your payments can go toward reducing the principal. Be careful, though, that you don’t merely use your new loan to go deeper in debt.
member benefits
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This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
We may change APRs, fees, and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with ACG Card Services and its affiliates as provided under the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law.
1Cash back can be redeemed in the form of a statement credit or ACH deposit ($25 cash back minimum redemption). Cash back is not earned on business related transactions or activities. You may not redeem cash back, and you will immediately lose all of your cash back, if your account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, due to Program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). Cash back will expire at 11:00 p.m. Central Time on the last day of the calendar quarter that is five (5) years from the date on which they are earned. Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Upon approval, please refer to your Cardmember Agreement for additional information. Cash back is earned on eligible net purchases. Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. Not all transactions are eligible to earn cash back, such as Advances, Balance Transfers, and Convenience Checks and other advance transactions as defined in the Cardmember Agreement, as well as interest charges and fees do not qualify. U.S. Bank cannot control how merchants classify their business or transactions and reserves the right to determine which Purchases will qualify in which category. Earn 2% per dollar for qualifying net purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club when AAA is the merchant of record, on qualifying net insurance purchases (MCC = 6300) and at eligible retail travel merchants. AAA Clubs located in Northern California, Nevada and Utah are not participating AAA Clubs and purchases made at those clubs will not qualify for 2%. Earn 4% per dollar for qualifying net purchases on AAA purchases, travel and insurance for your first 6 months up to $6,000. After that, earn cash back in the standard 2% category. Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
2 Benefits are subject to terms, conditions, and limitations on the amount of coverage. Travel and Emergency Assistance Services help in coordinating medical, legal and travel services while away from home. Rental Collision Damage Waiver coverage and peace of mind for damage due to collision or theft of most rental cars. Certain terms and conditions apply. Please refer to your Visa Guide to Benefits for details
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This card is issued by U.S. Bank NA dba ACG Card Services, pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is valid as of 11/26/2024. Personal accounts only. Rates are variable and may change without prior notice. $100 minimum balance to open and avoid fees. Fees may reduce earnings. $250,000 maximum opening deposit when account is opened online. After online opening deposit is verified, you may deposit additional funds to your account. $500,000 maximum balance. Auto Club Trust, FSB.
**Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 11/26/2024. Rates are variable and may change without prior notice. Interest rates are fixed until initial maturity after the account is opened. A $1,500 minimum deposit to open the account and obtain the APY is required. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. Personal accounts only.
†Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Rates and terms effective as of 10/11/2024. APR is accurate as of 10/11/2024. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without prior notice. Additional terms and restrictions may apply. Other loan rates available. Subject to borrower qualification. Advertised rate includes a 0.25% discount when you set up automatic payments from any checking or savings account. Rate is variable. Offer valid on personal vehicle loans only. Criteria to receive the stated APR: Loan term 48 months or less new or used, model year 2018 – 2024 with a credit score of 720 or higher based on the Vantage scoring model. Buyer is responsible for all state or local fees. Auto Club Trust, FSB uses a managed credit program and final APR is dependent on your credit score. An auto loan with an APR of 5.49% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated monthly payment would be $465. An auto loan with an APR of 5.74% for a $20,000 loan at a term of 48 months, your estimated payment would be $467. Private party sales will not be financed.
††Terms and Conditions apply. Offer valid for loans on vehicles purchased through the AAA Auto Buying Program from a TrueCar, Inc. (TrueCar) Certified Dealer; and approved and funded by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Applicant must submit the Member Price Summary provided by TrueCar during the application process. Must be an active AAA member to receive the additional TrueCar discounted rate. Loans offered by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Equal Opportunity Lender.
Member Savings currently not available in all states. In these states a "Target Price" is presented, which reflects a market-based example of what you can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle configured with your desired options. Your configured vehicle may not be available or in-stock at the Certified Dealer.
TrueCar operates this information website ("Service") featuring pricing, performance, technical, and safety data available for new and used vehicles. The Service is not available in all locations.
Products are offered by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender.
Mortgages originated by Auto Club Trust, FSB. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 799629
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