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Table of Contents
Millions of Americans struggle with the burden of credit card debt. According to the Federal Reserve of New York, total credit card debt in the U.S. has surpassed $1.21 trillion, highlighting a widespread reliance on revolving credit. For many, carrying a balance month-to-month becomes an unfortunate reality, leading to ever-growing interest charges that make it difficult to escape the cycle of debt.
One of the main reasons that credit card debt is so prevalent is the accessibility of credit. It’s very easy to open a credit card account, and as a result, many people rely on them for everyday expenses, emergencies, or large purchases. While credit cards can be useful financial tools when managed correctly, high annual percentage rates and compounding debt often turn them into long-term financial traps.
High-interest credit card debt is difficult to manage—the average interest rate is around 24.2% APR. As interest accumulates, paying off balances becomes more challenging, making it harder to break free from the debt cycle.
Beyond the financial strain, mounting debt can impact your credit score which may limit access to favorable loan terms and contribute to financial stress. The burden of large balances and rising interest payments can create anxiety, making it difficult to focus on long-term financial goals.
Balance transfer credit cards have long been marketed as a way to help you escape high-interest credit card debt. These new balance transfer cards often come with a temporary, zero interest APR for a set period of time, allowing consumers to transfer balances from high-interest accounts. However, there are notable drawbacks:
When looking to consolidate credit card debt, two of the most common options are balance transfer credit cards and personal loans. While both can help you reduce interest rates and simplify your payments, it’s important to evaluate their long-term financial impact before making a decision.
A personal loan offers a structured, predictable approach to managing debt—one that extends beyond the short-term benefits of a promotional credit card offer. Unlike balance transfer cards that may seem attractive at first but come with hidden costs, a personal loan provides clear advantages:
Feature |
Balance transfer credit card |
Personal loan |
---|---|---|
Interest rates |
0% intro APR (limited time), then much higher standard rate |
Fixed APR (typically lower than credit cards) |
Fees |
Transfer fees (usually 3-5%) + potential annual fee |
No balance transfer fees |
Payoff timeline |
Varies; oftentimes increased rates after promotional period |
Fixed monthly payments, clear payoff date |
Credit score impact |
Short-term improvement, long-term risk if balance remains |
Potential improvement with responsible, on-time payment |
Flexibility |
Only covers transferred balance |
Can cover multiple expenses beyond just credit card debt |
If you're serious about getting out of debt, a personal loan offers a more structured and cost-effective debt management solution compared to balance transfer credit cards. Instead of juggling promotional rates and hidden fees, a personal loan provides stability, transparency, and the opportunity to take control of your financial future.
Balance transfers can affect your credit score in different ways:
A personal loan can help by lowering your credit utilization ratio—one of the most influential factors in your credit score. By paying off revolving debt, you reduce your utilization and demonstrate financial responsibility to creditors.
Another factor to consider is that sometimes credit card companies will reduce your credit limit after a balance transfer. If this happens, your credit utilization ratio may remain high, limiting the potential credit score benefits that often accompany a balance transfer.
Credit card debt can quickly become a bad habit due to high interest rates and compounding balances—just because you can afford to roll over debt doesn’t mean you should. To break free and pay off your balances efficiently, it’s important to explore strategies that minimize interest, consolidate payments, and make your money work for you.
There are several ways to manage and pay off high-interest debt, but not all methods are equally beneficial:
Let’s look at personal loans a little deeper as an example of how this strategy could play out. Switching from a $40,000 credit card balance at 24.74% APR to a personal loan at 12.44% over seven years could save you more than $24,000 in interest.* That’s a substantial financial advantage that not only reduces your debt burden but also provides peace of mind with predictable payments.
While consolidating credit card debt with a personal loan can be a smart debt management strategy, not all debts should be rolled into a loan. Here’s what to consider consolidating:
Think twice about consolidating:
By carefully evaluating the type of debt you’re consolidating, you can make an informed decision that maximizes savings while protecting your financial future.
Eliminating high-interest credit card debt is a major financial victory, but staying debt-free is the real challenge. Without a solid long-term financial plan, it’s easy to slip back into old spending habits and accumulate debt again. True financial stability isn’t just about paying off what you owe—it’s about developing and maintaining smart money habits that support lasting success.
A sustainable financial plan requires ongoing discipline, awareness, and adaptability. It means identifying the behaviors that led to debt, creating a safety net for unexpected expenses, and consistently working toward bigger financial goals. Whether your objective is to remain debt-free, build wealth, or invest in future opportunities, long-term planning is essential for maintaining financial security and peace of mind.
By implementing smart financial habits, you can take control of your personal finances and avoid falling back into debt. Consider these key strategies:
With the right approach, you can break the cycle of debt and build a strong financial foundation for the future.
Choosing a personal loan instead of a traditional balance transfer credit card can offer significant financial advantages:
Achieving financial health requires ongoing effort. Continually reassess your finances, explore ways to optimize debt repayment, and commit to sound financial habits. Small, strategic moves today can lead to lasting financial stability.
At BHG Financial, we believe financing should fit seamlessly into your life and goals. That’s why we offer personal loans tailored to your needs, with amounts up to $250,0001 and flexible terms of up to 10 years.1,2 Consolidate your high-interest debt with a BHG loan designed to help you move forward confidently.
Plus, you’ll enjoy dedicated, U.S.-based concierge service that works around your schedule—because your time is valuable. Ready to see what’s possible? See your personalized offers in just seconds.
* The savings estimate assumes a fixed-monthly payment of $716 is made on the personal loan and a monthly payment of $1,006 is made on the variable APR credit card and no additional draws on the line are made for the 7-year period.
Not all solutions, loan amounts, rates or terms are available in all states.
1 Terms subject to credit approval upon completion of an application. Loan sizes, interest rates, and loan terms vary based on the applicant's credit profile.
2 Personal Loan Repayment Example: A $59,755 personal loan with a 7-year term and an APR of 17.2% would require 84 monthly payments of $1,228.
Annual percentage rates (APRs) for BHG Financial personal loans range from 8.72% to 27.87%, with terms from 3 to 10 years.
No application fees, commitment, or impact on personal credit to estimate your payment.
Consumer loans funded by Pinnacle Bank, a Tennessee bank, or County Bank. Equal Housing Lenders.
For California Residents: BHG Financial loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license - Number 603G493.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ESTABLISHING A NEW CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies every customer. What this means for you: When you apply for a loan, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, social security number and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver's license or other identifying documents. If all required documentation is not provided, we may be unable to establish a customer relationship with you.