Get out of debt with a plan that fits
Compare debt consolidation, debt management, settlement and bankruptcy, run the numbers with free calculators, and get matched with help that fits your situation.
Where to start
Most people in debt have more options than they think, and the right one depends on three things: how much you owe, what kind of debt it is, and whether you can still make your payments.
- You're keeping up but paying a lot of interest: a consolidation loan or a balance transfer card can lower your rate. Check the numbers first; fees can wipe out the savings.
- Payments are getting hard, but you want to repay in full: a debt management plan through a nonprofit credit counselor can cut card interest rates without a new loan.
- You own a home: your equity may pay off high-interest debt at a lower rate, and your servicer has options if the mortgage itself is the problem. See mortgage help.
- You're behind and can't repay everything: debt settlement and bankruptcy both reduce what you owe. Both hurt your credit, in different ways and for different lengths of time.
Not sure which one fits? Read debt relief options compared, or tell us about your debts and we'll connect you with providers who can help.
Guides
- Debt relief options comparedConsolidation loans, balance transfers, debt management plans, debt settlement and bankruptcy side by side, with the cost, the credit impact and who each one suits.
- Debt consolidation loans: when they save moneyHow a debt consolidation loan works, what it costs once fees are counted, and how to tell whether it beats paying your debts as you do now.
- Debt management plans: how they workWhat a debt management plan through a nonprofit credit counseling agency is, how it lowers your interest rates, what it costs and how it affects your credit.
- Debt settlement: how it works and what it costsHow debt settlement companies negotiate down what you owe, what they charge, how it affects your credit and taxes, and the rules that protect you.
- Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13The difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, who qualifies, which debts are wiped out, how long each stays on your credit, and the steps to file.
- Debt collectors: your rightsWhat debt collectors can and can't do under federal law, how to dispute a debt, how to stop the calls, and what to do about old debts.
Debt and credit card calculators
- Credit Card Payoff CalculatorHow long your card takes to pay off, and the payment that clears it by your date.
- Minimum Payment CalculatorWhat paying only the minimum really costs, in years and interest.
- Debt Snowball vs. AvalancheYour payoff order and debt-free date with either method.
- Debt Consolidation CalculatorWhether one loan beats paying your debts as you do now, fees included.
- Balance Transfer CalculatorWhether a 0% transfer card saves money after the fee.
- Debt-to-Income CalculatorYour DTI the way lenders work it out.
Mortgage calculators
- Cash-Out Refinance CalculatorGetting cash from your home: a bigger new mortgage, or keeping your loan and adding a second.
- Should I Use a HELOC to Pay Off Debt?Your cards and car loans as they are, compared with rolling them into a home equity line.
- Mortgage Refinance CalculatorYour monthly savings and how long it takes to earn back the closing costs.
- Mortgage Payment CalculatorYour monthly payment with taxes, insurance and PMI.
- How Much House Can I Afford?A home price that fits your income and the debts you already pay.
- Extra Payment CalculatorHow much sooner you're mortgage-free, and the interest you save, with extra payments.