Credit Card Debt Help

Stop creditor contact and check if you can write off credit card balances with an IVA, DRO or DMP.

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Reviewed by: Fresh Start Debt Support team • Last updated

Credit Card Debt Help — Write Off Balances, Freeze Interest & End Collection Pressure

Quick answer: If you’re stuck making only minimums, moving debt between cards, close to your limits, or getting letters from debt collectors, your credit card debt is already unmanageable. We’ll check if you can write off unaffordable balances, freeze interest and reduce payments — free and confidential.

Start My Free Debt Check

When Is Credit Card Debt “Too Much”?

Credit card debt becomes “too much” when the repayments don’t fit your budget, interest keeps growing, or the stress affects your life. Look for these signs:

If any apply, act early — you’ll have more options to freeze interest, reduce payments and stop enforcement.

Check If I Can Get Help

Am I in Too Much Credit Card Debt? A Simple Self-Assessment

Tick any that sound like you:

One or more ticks suggests your debt is already unmanageable — but there are legal routes to get relief.

Self-Check My Options

What Happens If You Ignore Credit Card Debt?

Delaying action usually means higher balances and potential legal steps:

Much of this can be prevented or reversed once you enter the right solution (formal plans typically freeze interest and stop enforcement once approved).

Freeze Interest & Stop Action

What Can You Include — and Often Write Off — for Credit Card Debt?

Depending on eligibility, these debts can be included in an IVA or DRO, and usually managed within a DMP too:

Not usually written off: child maintenance, some court fines and most student loans — we’ll show how to handle them safely alongside your plan.

See What I Can Include

Best Solutions for Credit Card Debt

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick comparison:

IVA

Best for
£6,000+ unsecured debt, steady income
Stops enforcement
Yes — legal protection
Write off
Yes, after completion
Typical term
5–6 years
Read the IVA guide →

DRO

Best for
Low income, low assets, total debt ≤ £50,000
Stops enforcement
Yes — moratorium
Write off
Yes, after 12 months
Typical term
12 months
Read the DRO guide →

DMP

Best for
Flexible, informal repayments
Stops enforcement
Often — by creditor agreement
Write off
No formal write-off
Typical term
Varies
Read the DMP guide →

Trust Deed (Scotland)

Best for
Scottish residents with multiple debts
Stops enforcement
Yes — legal protection
Write off
Yes, after completion
Typical term
~4 years
Read the Trust Deed guide →

We’ll match you to the route that fits your budget and goals — and explain every trade-off in plain English.

Compare My Options

How to Take Control of Credit Card Debt (Step-by-Step)

  1. List your cards. Note balance, APR, fees and the minimum payment for each.
  2. Prioritise essentials. Keep rent/mortgage, council tax and energy up to date first.
  3. Build a realistic budget. Include food, transport, childcare and essentials — not just debts.
  4. Talk to us early. You may qualify for an IVA or DRO; a DMP may suit if your income varies.
  5. Choose and start. Once approved, interest/enforcement is typically stopped so you can breathe.

If you’re unsure which path fits, we’ll talk it through with you — free and without pressure.

Start the Step-by-Step Now

Balance Transfer vs Debt Solutions — Which Is Right for You?

0% balance transfer cards can help if:

Debt solutions (IVA, DRO, DMP) are usually better if:

We’ll help you compare both routes and avoid the “balance-transfer treadmill”.

Check the Best Route for Me

‘Persistent Debt’ Letters — What They Mean

If for 18–36 months you pay more in interest and fees than toward the balance, your card provider must contact you about “persistent debt”. They may ask you to increase payments, move to a repayment plan, or consider alternatives. If you can’t afford this, we’ll help you assess safe options like a DMP or IVA and request interest be frozen.

I’ve Had a Persistent Debt Letter

Breathing Space — A 60-Day Pause on Card Interest & Action

If you need time to get advice, you may qualify for the government’s Breathing Space. It gives you:

We’ll confirm eligibility and help you apply if it’s right for you.

See If I Qualify for Breathing Space

Bailiffs & Debt Collectors: Your Rights with Credit Card Debt

Credit card debts are “non-priority” but can lead to court if ignored. Know the difference:

Read our full guides and use them at the door:

Stop Bailiff Pressure

Is My Credit Card Debt Too Old to Enforce?

In England & Wales, most unsecured debts become “statute barred” after 6 years without payment or written acknowledgment (court action resets the clock). In Scotland it’s typically 5 years. This area is technical — never ignore court papers. Ask us to check before you contact a creditor about very old debt.

Ask About Old Debts

The Hidden Emotional Impact of Credit Card Debt

Debt isn’t just numbers — it’s how you feel each day. Many people report:

Getting help is not just about lower payments — it’s about getting your life back. Most clients tell us their only regret is not acting sooner.

Take the First Step

Real People Who Faced Credit Card Debt — and Got Help

Emily, Manchester: £12,400 across three credit cards. Approved for an IVA — now pays £90/month, interest frozen, no more calls.

Martin, Liverpool: Multiple cards and overdraft. Qualified for a DRO — balances written off after 12 months when circumstances didn’t change.

Claire, Stoke-on-Trent: “I can finally open my post without fear. I wish I’d asked for help sooner.” See more on our testimonials page.

Get Help Like They Did

Official Guidance & Trusted Free Support

For added reassurance, here are trusted UK resources about problem debt and card borrowing:

Review these alongside our free support so you know your rights and protections.

Credit Card Debt — Frequently Asked Questions

How much credit card debt is “too much”?

There’s no single number. It’s “too much” when repayments are unaffordable for your budget, interest keeps growing, or you’re missing priority bills. Our free check shows what’s workable.

Can I stop interest and charges?

With formal solutions like an IVA or DRO, interest and enforcement are typically halted once approved. Many creditors will also freeze interest in a DMP.

What if I’ve had a ‘persistent debt’ letter?

It means you’ve paid more in interest/fees than toward the balance over a long period. Your lender must help you resolve it. If their proposal is unaffordable, we’ll help you explore safe alternatives and ask for interest to be frozen.

Will I lose my home or car?

Most solutions protect essential assets, though high equity or high-value vehicles can affect eligibility. We’ll explain your safeguards and options upfront.

What if I have priority bills like rent or council tax?

Prioritise them and speak to us urgently. We’ll help you stop enforcement and build a plan that covers both priority and non-priority debts safely.

Is help really free?

Yes, our guidance is free and confidential. We’ll also explain any third-party fees (for example, if you proceed with a formal solution) before you decide.

Are you regulated and who oversees debt solutions?

Debt advice in the UK is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). IVAs are administered by licensed Insolvency Practitioners and DROs are made via approved intermediaries with the Insolvency Service. If you want free, impartial advice, you can also speak to StepChange or National Debtline.

How do you get paid? Do you earn commission?

We’ll always explain any fees clearly before you proceed. Where a third party provides a formal solution (e.g., an IVA provider), their fees are disclosed in writing. You’re free to compare with MoneyHelper and debt charities before deciding.

What are my complaint routes?

If you’re unhappy, you can complain to us first. If unresolved, you may be able to escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. For insolvency-related matters (e.g., IVA conduct), see the Insolvency Service’s complaints guidance.

Will you share my data?

We take privacy seriously and only share your information with your permission when it’s necessary to deliver your chosen solution. Read our Privacy Policy for details.

Can bailiffs visit for credit card debt?

Only after a court judgment and enforcement stage. You don’t have to let bailiffs in for these debts, and there are rules on what they can take. See Bailiffs: Your Rights.

Check If I Qualify Now

Related Guides & Next Steps

Get My Free Debt Check

Your Fresh Start with Credit Cards Begins Today

Credit card debt doesn’t define you. With the right plan you can stop interest, halt enforcement, protect your home and — in many cases — write off unaffordable balances. We’ll guide you every step of the way, free and without judgment.

Start My Free Debt Check

Evidence & Trusted Resources on Credit Card Debt

Use these independent sources to understand your rights and options:

These confirm your protections and the solutions we can set up with you.

Which Credit Card Debt Solution Fits You Best?

Answer these quick questions to see which options may suit your circumstances:







Credit Card Repayment vs Write-Off Calculator

Estimate how long repayments might take without help, versus using a formal solution:







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