If you’ve ever stared at your credit card bill and thought, “It’s not that bad,” you’re not alone.
Credit card debt can sneak up on you, and part of the reason it sticks around is because of the stories we tell ourselves to avoid dealing with it.
Here are 10 common lies people tell themselves about their credit card balances that make it harder to get out of debt:
1. “I’ll pay it off next month.”
This is one of the most common lies. You tell yourself it’s temporary, but months go by and the balance barely moves—or gets worse.
According to a 2024 report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card balances in the U.S. hit a record $1.12 trillion. That’s not happening because everyone’s paying them off next month.
2. “The minimum payment is enough for now.”
Making only the minimum payment might keep your account in good standing, but it guarantees you’ll be paying way more in interest over time. I learned that the hard way.
A good friend of mine once carried a $3,500 balance on a credit card with a 19% interest rate.
She thought she was being responsible by making the minimum payment every month, which was about $70.
But after a year, she looked at her statements and realized she’d barely touched the principal. Most of what she paid went straight to interest.
She told me it felt like trying to bail out a sinking boat with a teaspoon. That was her wake-up call. She started paying double the minimum whenever possible and eventually paid off the entire balance in about 18 months.
It was tough, but she said it felt like getting her life back.
3. “I need the points.”
Sure, rewards cards can offer cash back or miles, but if you’re carrying a balance and paying interest, those points usually aren’t worth it.
In many cases, the interest you’re paying wipes out the value of the rewards.
4. “Everyone has credit card debt.”
While credit card debt is common, that doesn’t mean it’s okay. Just because your friends or coworkers are also juggling balances doesn’t mean it’s a good financial move.
Normalizing debt makes it easier to ignore.
5. “It’s an emergency expense.”
Sometimes, that’s true. But a lot of people use this excuse for things that aren’t actually emergencies, like holiday shopping, eating out, or spontaneous travel.
Real emergencies do happen, but using that label for everyday spending delays financial progress.
6. “My credit score is still good, so it’s fine.”
A decent credit score might help you qualify for new cards or loans, but it doesn’t mean your financial habits are healthy.
If your debt is growing, your score won’t save you from the stress or cost of it.
7. “Once I get a raise (or bonus), I’ll wipe it out.”
Future income is never guaranteed. Life has a funny way of eating up extra money before it hits your bank account.
If you’re not budgeting for debt repayment now, chances are you won’t prioritize it later either.
8. “I’ve got it under control.”
If you’re regularly carrying a balance and not making a real plan to pay it down, it’s probably not as under control as you think.
Many people believe they’re handling it, until an unexpected expense tips everything over.
9. “Balance transfers will fix it.”
Balance transfer cards can help, but they’re not magic. If you don’t pay down the balance during the intro 0% period, or if you keep spending on the new card, you could end up in even more debt.
It’s a tool, not a solution on its own.
10. “At least I’m not using payday loans.”
Payday loans are indeed worse in many ways. But just because there’s something riskier out there doesn’t mean credit card debt is harmless.
High-interest debt of any kind is a drain on your future income and stability.
So What Actually Helps?
Breaking out of credit card debt starts with being honest about your situation. Look at your statements.
Know your interest rates. Set up a plan to pay more than the minimum, even if it’s just a little more.
If you’re overwhelmed, talking to a nonprofit credit counselor is a good step. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling offers free or low-cost help.
And don’t wait for the perfect moment. There’s no windfall, no bonus, and no miracle strategy better than starting now. It’s not about guilt, it’s about getting your future back.
If any of these lies sound familiar, don’t beat yourself up. Just recognize them for what they are, and start moving in a different direction.
Because the truth is: You deserve a life where your paycheck isn’t already spoken for before it hits your account.