3 Moves to Make If You’re Paying Interest On Your Credit Card Debt
Written by
Laura Bogart
Edited by
Nick Friedman
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Being in credit card debt is hardly anyone’s idea of a good time — and dealing with interest makes it even worse. You feel like you’re climbing out of a deep hole, and the strain is very real. If you could only get a handle on that interest, you’d make some real progress.
Fortunately, there are some smart moves — including using a balance-transfer card like the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card — that can help you get a little closer to financial daylight.
1. Find the Right Balance Transfer Credit Card
If you’re carrying a large credit card balance with a high APR, a big chunk of your monthly payment goes toward interest. That’s why it’s so easy to get stuck.
Moving your balance to a balance-transfer card with a low APR will allow you to pay less in interest, so you have more money to put toward the principal.
With the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card, you’ll pay no balance-transfer fees, and you’ll get a low 0% introductory APR for 12 months from account opening on balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening the account. That means more of your payment goes toward the principal instead of being eaten up by interest.
After the 0% introductory APR period, a variable APR between 10.24% and 18% applies. Compare that to the average credit card APR: As of August 2025, the average APR for credit card users carrying a balance is 22.83%, according to the Federal Reserve1.
Plus, if you’re juggling multiple high-interest cards, consolidating them into one card with a low APR can simplify things significantly. You’ll have one payment, one due date and reduced interest costs. Get started here to see how much you could save.
2. Find a Side Hustle You Enjoy
Taking on an extra job to earn additional income isn’t always easy, but it can be an effective — and even temporary — way to bring in the cash you need to pay down interest on your credit card debt. And your side gig doesn’t have to feel like a burden. You can tap into your passions and interests to generate extra funds.
Are you a fan of a particular cafe in your town? Taking on a shift or two during the weekend could help you make higher payments on your debt — while also giving you a discount on your favorite sweet treats.
Whether your hobbies include home repair, writing or graphic design, there are opportunities to freelance. And if you enjoy the energy of social events, picking up shifts with an events company or caterer could also help boost your income.
3. Contact the Credit Card Company
The thought of contacting your credit card company directly to ask for help can feel incredibly daunting. But they are not going to breathe fire at you over the phone — we promise. You can ask about a temporary APR reduction, hardship programs or even request fee or interest waivers.
Start by explaining that you’re actively working to pay down your balance and that doing so is important to you. Let them know you’re seeking help lowering your interest rate — or possibly reducing recent interest — to make the process easier and faster.1
The Bottom Line
When you’re deep in high-interest credit card debt, it’s easy to feel trapped. But there is a way forward. One of the best options? Using a balance-transfer card like the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card to lower your interest while you tackle your principal.
There’s no annual, balance-transfer, cash-advance or foreign-transaction fees, and you can save a ton on interest.
It’s easy to get started here and see how much you could save.
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1 https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/
As of 12/01/2025, rates range from 10.24% APR to 18.00% APR, are based on creditworthiness, and will vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate. ATM cash advance fees: None if performed at a Navy Federal branch or ATM. Otherwise, $0.50 per domestic transaction or $1.00 per foreign transaction. Balance transfer offer: Application must be submitted by 03/31/2026. Offer valid for balances transferred from non-Navy Federal credit cards within 60 days of account opening. Maximum total transfer amount is limited to your available credit line. Balance transfers using convenience checks are excluded from this offer. If you transfer a balance with this offer, interest will be charged on purchases made with your credit card unless your purchases have a 0% APR or you pay the entire balance, including any transferred balances made under this offer, in full each month by the payment due date. Offer excludes Navy Federal Home Equity Line Platinum Credit Cards. Limit of one promotional offer at account opening. Navy Federal reserves the right to change or end this offer at any time.
