Practical, updated options to reduce and manage credit card debt: nonprofit credit counseling, consolidation loans, debt settlement, and when bankruptcy may be appropriate. Verify providers and watch for scams.
Bill consolidation combines multiple debts into one payment to simplify bills and often lower interest. It's a useful tool but not a cure - pair it with budgeting and behavior change.
Debt consolidation replaces multiple debts with a single payment - via a personal loan, balance transfer, HELOC, or refinance. It can simplify payments and lower costs, but secured options put assets at risk. Compare total costs, seek nonprofit counseling, and watch for scams.
Use a debt-consolidation calculator to compare options, estimate savings, and decide whether combining debts will lower interest or simply spread payments over a longer term.