The days of single digit interest rates on plastics are long gone. That little piece of plastic you’re holding onto so tightly may have started out at 0% interest, but it’s gradually worked it’s way up into the double digit range – between 18% and 29% most likely. And that means that if you continue to pay the minimum monthly payment you’re never going to be able to pay off that credit card debt.

It’s time to start being realistic. When you use a charge card, you are essentially using someone else’s money to make a purchase. They’re lending it to you. And they’re not doing it out of the kindness of their heart.

Card companies are LENDING you money because that’s how they MAKE money – by charging you interest on that loan. Only they make it appear relatively painless in the beginning by offering you that 0% or 6% interest rate. And that monthly payment is so low – just $19 a month! Anyone can afford that, right?

These companies are betting that you’ll never pay off that credit card debt. In fact, they know that if they wait long enough you’re going to keep adding to balance and you’re eventually going to be late, by even just one day, on a payment and then they can jack that interest rate right up to that 29% range for the rest of your life.

If you’ve fallen under the spell of those “Urgent” credit card offers, then you’re probably also one of the millions of Americans now trying to find a way to control their debt. Don’t let them strong arm you. There are better ways to pay off your credit card debt than paying them a minimum monthly payment every month for the rest of your life. Consult with a reputable credit card debt reduction service to find out your rights and let them help you eliminate that credit card debt once and for all.