Credit cards (handle with care)

Move high-interest debt to a card with a 0% intro window and every payment hits the principal, not interest. Watch the transfer fee (usually 3–5%) and have a payoff plan before the intro rate ends.

Free credit scores and a full list of your open accounts — the easiest way to make sure you've listed every debt. No card required.

You put down a refundable deposit (often $200–$500) that becomes your credit limit. Use it for one small recurring bill, pay it off in full monthly, and most issuers graduate you to a regular card within a year.

A small loan where the money sits in a locked account while you make payments — you get access to it (plus the payment history) once it's paid off. No existing credit needed to qualify.

Only for people who already pay their balance in full every single month. If you carry a balance, the interest erases any rewards — skip this entirely until your debt is gone.

Premium travel rewards card with a real annual fee — worth it only if you already pay in full and travel enough to use the points. Check the current sign-up bonus on the referral page; it changes.

The step up from Preferred — higher annual fee, richer travel perks and point value. Only makes sense if you'll actually use the travel benefits; otherwise the fee isn't worth it. Check the current offer before applying.