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Credit Card Repayment Plan

When you have a pack of credit cards to repay at the end of each month, knowing how to manage the various debts can be a little confusing. With our five-point strategy we have made credit card repayments simple. For how to pay off your credit card, follow the principles below: More...

CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Capital One BT Exclusive0%Until 01/10/20093.0%15.9%Apply / Details
Virgin Credit Card0%15 mths2.98%15.9%Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum0%Until 01/09/20093.0%12.9%Apply / Details
Egg Card0%Until 01/09/20093.0%16.9%Apply / Details
Barclaycard Platinum 'As on TV'0%14 mths2.9%14.9%Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Capital One Platinum0%Until 01/09/200912.9%Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum Exclusive0%Until 01/05/200911.9%Apply / Details
Halifax One Online Special0%10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Bank of Scotland0%10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Barclaycard Life of Balance0%10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Capital One PlatinumUntil 01/09/2009Until 01/09/200912.9%Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum ExclusiveUntil 01/05/2009Until 01/05/200911.9%Apply / Details
Halifax One Online Special10 mths10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Bank of Scotland10 mths10 mths15.9%Apply / Details
Capital One BT ExclusiveUntil 01/10/2008Until 01/10/200915.9%Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
American Express Platinum5% Moneyback for 3 months, up to 1.5% thereafterApply / Details
Capital One Cashback4% rebate until 01/09/08 on purchases, 1% thereafterApply / Details
Shell MasterCard - Citi3% rebate on Shell fuel spend, 1% on other purchasesApply / Details
Barclaycard Cashback4% Cashback until 31/07/08, 0.5% until 01/01/10Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Barclaycard Life of Balance6.5%15.9%Life of BalanceApply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
Barclaycard Low Rate Special8.8%56Apply / Details
Capital One Platinum Exclusive11.9%56Apply / Details
CardRateDurationBT FeeTypical APR
MBNA Platinum Rewards Card1 point for every £1.00 spentApply / Details

1. Prioritise credit cards

Arrange your cards in order of interest rates starting with the highest down to the lowest. If you are unable to pay a substantial amount on each credit card you should pay the minimum on the card with the lowest interest rate and pay the greatest amount on the most expensive card. The most expensive card is the card you should be seeking to eliminate first because the longer you have this card the longer you shall be in debt.

Whenever you pay less than the minimum amount, your credit card company will consider it a default. A late or inadequate payment will also be recorded on your credit report, making future credit harder to obtain. Always honour the minimum payment.

2. Get debt up-to-date

If you have missed repayments on any credit card you should plough every spare penny into getting your debt up-to-date. If your credit card company does not receive any payment for three to six months, they may hand the account over to a debt collection agency. Aside from the extra fees you will have incurred on the card, involvement of a debt collection agency is extremely detrimental to your credit rating.

3. Mind your limit

If you have exceeded the limit on any credit card you ought to bring it below the agreed cap as soon as possible. Over the limit fees can soar into orbit within a short space of time if left unchecked. In this instance you should contact your credit card provider and ask them to freeze penalties in exchange for a repayment plan. If you convince them you are serious about bringing your spending below the limit they may consent to a flat one off fee.

4. Zero makes you a hero

Your credit rating will be much improved if you demonstrate an ability to keep your balances close to £0. Future lenders will view you as someone who can manage credit and will offer you the best interest rate deals - on credit cards, mortgages and loans.

Keep an eye on credit cards that are starting to stray further from £0. Tighten the reigns on your spending and up your monthly payments in order to bring that balance down with a bang.

5. Transfer balances

Shop around for cheap credit card deals and get out of debt faster. Consider transferring your balance onto a low interest credit card and aim to repay your debt before the introductory period lapses.

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