Credit card debt relief is one of the many solutions that most Americans are considering to get themselves out of debt. The rise in the costs of food and fuel can only make the situation worst. On the average, card debt exceeds the $10,000 mark and if cardholders will only make minimum payments, it might take several years for them to settle their debts.

Fortunately, there are several solutions available for those who want to clear debt. One of the most common methods is debt consolidation wherein you will make a single payment. This is one of the most convenient ways to settle your debts and start the process of rebuilding. It will free you from the hassle of paying the debt and pass it on to the debt consolidation company.

Another way to clear debt is to eliminate it yourself. This can be a bitter swallow to pill but you need to be realistic about your situation. The first thing you have to do is list down all your credit card balances and arrange them from the lowest to the highest. You can pay all of them with minimum amount but make an additional payment for the credit card with the lowest balance. Keep doing this until you have completely settled the balance.

Once you have settled that debt, start paying off your card with the lowest balance plus additional payments. For example, if the minimum payment is $50, add an additional $25 so for the next card, your total payment is $75 plus the minimum $50. When that card has been cleared off, proceed to the third card and increase your payment to $175.

With debt consolidation, you can easily clear off your credit card. There is another advantage of getting help from card issuers. When you have made more than six payments on all the cards, and the balance has been gradually reduced, some credit card providers will offer you a low interest balance transfer.

If balance transfer will translate into more savings, and you have the discipline to settle the balance from the new credit card, then apply for that balance transfer card. This will result to more credit line. If you make steady payments, it is likely that your FICO rating will increase.

It will require hard work and discipline to be able to clear debt and boost your credit rating in a short period of time. If you can clear debt yourself, you might also be able to save the money you will pay for the debt consolidation company.