One solution to bad credit is debt reduction through consolidation or credit card consolidation. In this article, let’s discuss important reminders about credit card consolidation.

• Consolidate only high-rate credit cards.

  Your goal for consolidating credit card debts is to lower your interest rate, and thus, lower your monthly payment. If one of your credit cards offer a low APR, then you don’t have to include that in your consolidation.

• Choose a consolidation company wisely.

  There are credit consolidation companies who may take advantage of your situation. To avoid being a victim of predatory consolidation lenders, research about the company’s background and compare potential consolidation companies.

• Make sure that it’s all in the contract.

  Review and understand your lender’s Terms and Conditions before signing up for consolidation.

• Shop around for rates.

  Debt consolidation companies may charge differently for their services. TO find the right consolidation company, you should shop around first and compare rates in the market. However, remember that a low service fee alone does not guarantee that the agency can be trusted. Do further research.

• Create a budget plan and sticking by it.

  Consolidating your credit card debts will only work if you can keep up with your payments. There’s no room for delays of missed payments. It is up to you to budget your money and control your spending.

• Make sure that your consolidating company is submitting your payments.

  See to it that your consolidation company is submitting your payments to your credit card issuers on time.

• Make sure that your payments are reported to the three major credit bureaus.

  Find a debt consolidation company that faithfully reports all payments to the major credit bureaus to rebuild your credit score.

• Stay away from consolidation agencies that promise to “fix” or “repair” your credit report.

  You can’t “fix” or “change” your credit score instantly unless you pay off your debts.

• Be aware of your debts.

  Order a copy of your credit report so you can check if you’re making progress with your credit.

• Learn from your experiences.

  Getting stuck in bad credit card debt is a sign that some changes need to be made with your spending habits or lifestyle. You need to be willing to make sacrifices and be determined in order to avoid being in the same situation again.

  • Debt Reduction Through Debt Consolidation or Settlement
  • What Is The Better Choice? Debt Consolidation or Bankruptcy?
  • What are the Benefits in Obtaining Debt Consolidation Services?
  • Debt Consolidation Services
  • Credit Repair Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shelly Evans is a credit analyst for Bad Credit Resources for seven years. This website offers resources that specialize in providing bad credit personal loans and bad credit credit cards to people with poor credit score.