Credit card debt is beginning to cripple many people who are finding themselves with huge debts; this situation is the result of years of easy living on credit. Very few people can say they owe nothing on them, and as a consequence, finance companies are now owed thousands of dollars on most of the cards that have been issued. Unfortunately, people are only now beginning to realize that the damage has been done. Before the situation goes too far, seek a credit card debt relief solution to the problem.

The card holder must cease using it while he or she finds an option or the situation will just get worse and will never be resolved. This is always the hardest part, especially if the user has been comfortably spending on the card for a long time. But until this spending ends, the credit card debt relief will not occur. There are various debt consolidation alternatives available but the most common options are detailed below.

The most obvious move to start with is where the debtor is in a position to pay back the debt; they can opt for debt consolidation with a credit card that charges low interest and clear off the single debt in installments every month. Another method is to put together a consolidation loan to relieve the debt, then paying just one amount which is easier and within a budget.

This option does require a certain level of commitment on the debtor's part, as once the debts are clear there must be no temptation to use them again. This option will not work if the credit standing of the debtor is poor and they are not in a financial position to pay off their debts monthly.

When the situation or poor credit rating occurs, credit card debt relief is unlikely; then it will probably be necessary to contact a company that specializes in negotiating settlements. They will normally suggest a sum of around half the debt be paid off with the remaining amount canceled by the creditors.

The last option available to the debtor is to apply for bankruptcy which will clear all the debts, and although this may sound inviting it should only be regarded as something done when all else has failed. This final option means that the slate will be wiped clean, but trying to access credit of any kind will be very difficult while the bankruptcy is in force, so rebuilding the credit history will take some time. Whichever credit card debt relief option you take, remember that this should only ever be a one-time option, as important lessons about managing finances should be learned so the situation is not repeated.