Finance Australia :: Articles

Managing Credit Card Debt

How can I effectively manage and reduce my credit card debt?

Managing Credit Card Debt

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

If your credit card debt is starting to get out of control - or you simply want to know how to avoid potential credit card pitfalls, you are not alone. Managing credit cards is a problem faced by many who are now drowning in an ocean of debt. Here are some simple strategies that may be of help.

Consequences

Some people think that credit cards are free money to be used and never think of the consequences of overspending.
Now people around the country are faced with debt management to get out of debt and enjoy life again.
Learning how to consolidate debit is important and learning how to stay out of debt is even more important.

Put them away

To keep your debt from spiraling even more out of control, you should consider putting your credit cards away for a while. Try to use cash to make purchases and make sure to learn how to channel your spending habits.
Debt Stressed?
Image for Debt Stressed?If you're struggling to pay your debts and covering living expenses, we're here to help. Through our national panel of Debt Management specialists, we can help customers with $10k or more in debt by consolidating your existing loans, stopping Debt collectors from contacting you and re-negotiating repayments on your terms!
You’ll want to exercise restraint in spending and not buy everything you see. You should work on a monthly budget to help you control spending.
Just because something is on sale now, doesn’t mean you need to buy it now.

Keep them under control

Don’t ever use more than 70% of your credit line at one time, that is a basic rule to be followed.
Keep your spending under control until your income goes up or you get out of debt. You don’t want to make things worse and harder on you and your family by putting yourself into even more debt.

Consolidate and save

You may also want to consider learning how to consolidate debt. This means you move the balance of all of your credit cards onto one card.
This card should have a zero interest as a starting benefit or have a lower interest rate than your other cards.
Make sure you read all the fine print before you do anything, because you don’t want to miss an important fact and end up paying more money. You can compare credit card offers here.
You can also call your credit card company and try to negotiate with them and see if they can lower the interest rate on your current card.
Another alternative is to consolidate your credit card debt with a personal loan. This should mean a single monthly repayment at a lower interest rate ... but you should also take steps to avoid accumulating new credit card debt in the future.

Pay them off

Try to pay off as much of your debt as you can each month. This will help you save money by lowering the interest rates you are paying each month. You also may want to consider closing out some of your credit card accounts.
Make sure you aren’t applying for more credit cards just because you have no more credit available to you on your current card. You will find yourself in even more trouble if you do that. You should also be warned that you may not even get the credit card approved if you try to do this since you are wrecking your credit rating already. Try to stay away from any kind of new loans at this time, until you are out of debt.
Remember that most things you want to buy can be bought later on and you don’t need them now. Having security and money in the bank will protect you and your family.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 8


Finance Articles

Understanding the Fine Print: Fees and Charges in Personal Loans
Understanding the Fine Print: Fees and Charges in Personal Loans
Personal loans are a type of unsecured credit that allows individuals to borrow money for various personal expenses, including consolidating debt, making home improvements, or funding significant life events. Unlike secured loans that require collateral, personal loans rely on your creditworthiness, making them an accessible option for many Australians. - read more
The In-Depth Guide to Boat Loans in Australia: What You Need to Know Before Diving In
The In-Depth Guide to Boat Loans in Australia: What You Need to Know Before Diving In
Australia, with its expansive coastline and spectacular waterways, naturally cultivates a rich culture of marine enthusiasts. Imagine the salty breeze on your face as you slice through waves, the call of seabirds overhead, and the freedom to explore hidden coves and beaches – this is the quintessential Australian boating lifestyle. - read more
Online Home Loan Calculators: How to Use Them in Your Loan Comparison
Online Home Loan Calculators: How to Use Them in Your Loan Comparison
Welcome to the world of savvy home financing! Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seasoned investor, navigating the ocean of home loan options can be daunting. In this digital era, one tool stands out for its effectiveness in simplifying this journey: the online home loan calculator. - read more

Finance News

Australian Business Lending Sees Significant Growth in June 2025
Australian Business Lending Sees Significant Growth in June 2025
30 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In June 2025, Australian business lending experienced a notable increase, with loans to non-financial businesses reaching $1.14 trillion, marking a 9.2% year-on-year growth. This expansion significantly outpaced the 5.6% growth observed in housing loans, which totaled $2.34 trillion during the same period. The data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), highlights a renewed appetite for corporate borrowing and investment. - read more
Japanese Banks SMBC and MUFG Propel Growth in Australian Business Lending
Japanese Banks SMBC and MUFG Propel Growth in Australian Business Lending
30 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In July 2025, Australia's top 10 authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reported a combined business loan book of $925 billion. Notably, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerged as significant contributors to this growth, outpacing traditional Australian lenders in percentage growth rates. - read more
AFCA Issues Warning to SMEs on Unregulated Lenders
AFCA Issues Warning to SMEs on Unregulated Lenders
30 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In November 2025, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) issued a cautionary statement to small businesses regarding the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This warning comes in response to a notable increase in complaints that AFCA cannot address due to the lenders' non-membership status. - read more

Free Loan Eligibility Assessment

Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Refinancing:
The process of obtaining a new mortgage to replace an existing one, often to secure a lower interest rate.