1. CREDIT CARD DEBT

Best Apps to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Five Free Debt Payoff Apps You’ll Want to Use Now
BY Thilini Wijesinhe
 Updated 
Apr 16, 2025
Key Takeaways:
  • There are several free and affordable apps to track credit card debt and manage payments.
  • Debt payoff apps can help you organize your finances and automate your financial goals.
  • Some apps offer extra features like a credit line or prepaid debit card.

Getting organized is the first step to paying off debt. Fortunately, a variety of debt payoff apps are designed to help make the process easier. Read on to learn more about your options for the best apps to pay off credit card debt.

Why use an app to pay off credit card debt?

An app can help you organize and manage your debt payments. Apps can offer convenience, help with planning, and automation. 

Here are some of the ways the right app can help you take control of your finances.

See everything in one place

 Don’t get bogged down in the hassle of tracking multiple logins and accounts. A debt payoff app can show you all your balances and payments in one place.

Calculate the right payoff plan

Some apps have built-in calculators that let you see how different debt payoff approaches would affect your total cost and time until repayment. 

Automate payments

 Making on-time payments is critical, since payment history is the No. 1 factor that affects your credit score. A few apps let you set up automatic payments for creditors and bills.

Track your progress

Many apps to pay off credit card debt let you visualize how your debt will be paid down over time. Seeing how far you’ve come along the road to being debt-free can help keep you motivated.

5 top apps to pay off credit card debt

The best app for you will depend on your specific needs. Our best apps to pay off credit card debt have all earned average ratings above 4 out of 5 on Google Play and the Apple App Store. 

They’re listed here in alphabetical order. All these apps are free to install. Some have costs for premium features or ongoing subscriptions. 

Achieve GOOD™ app: Get Out Of Debt faster

Key features

  • See all of your accounts in one place

  • Test different payment approaches 

  • Automatic budgeting

  • Debt consolidation and resolution options

Pros

  • Tracking spending helps you adjust your budget

  • Payments view helps you spot forgotten subscriptions 

  • All features are free

Cons

  • Customization may be limited

  • Can’t pay your bills through the app

Best for

If you want a comprehensive budgeting and repayment system, the Achieve GOOD app could make your debt payoff budget easier to manage in the long run. 

Also, if you’re interested in debt payoff guidance, the app takes a bird’s-eye view of your whole financial picture to show you appropriate strategies.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.1

Apple App Store: 4.7

Overall average: 4.4

Bright: Crush Your Credit Card Debt

Key features

  • Tracks debt balances in one place

  • AI-powered

  • Debt consolidation option

Pros

  • Pay debts from within the app

  • AI-powered personalized money management plan

  • Hands-off debt payoff strategy

Cons

  • Automatic account withdrawals and debt payments

  • Hefty membership fees

Best for

If you can afford your debt and want an AI solution to manage your budget and choose how and when to pay down debt, Bright is an option to explore.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.6

Apple App Store: 4.8 

Overall average: 4.7

Debt Payoff Planner & Tracker

Key features 

  • Shows the interest rates on your debts

  • Test results of different payment methods

  • Ease of use

Pros

  • Organize accounts by different credit types

  • Test different repayment scenarios

  • Easy set-up 

Cons

  • Can’t pay your bills through the app

  • Can’t track credit accounts with deferred interest

  • Must manage manually (doesn’t link to accounts)

Best for

If you value easy set-up and don’t mind popping in to record your payments, Debt Payoff Planner is clear, easy to use, and could help you stay focused. 

User ratings

Google Play: 4.5

Apple App Store: 4.7

Overall average: 4.6

Rocket Money - Bills & Budgets

Key features

  • Track subscriptions 

  • Optional debt negotiation

  • All accounts on one dashboard

Pros

  • Easier to cancel services 

  • Helps you anticipate cash flow needs

  • Suggestions for improving money management

Cons

  • Can’t pay your bills through the app

  • Preset budget categories and limits

  • Most features are premium and not free

Best for

If your subscriptions are out of control, Rocket Money could help you squash them within a few weeks. But it’s not designed with debt payoff in mind.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.6

Apple App Store: 4.34

Overall average: 4.45

You Need a Budget (YNAB)

Key features

  • Automatic account and transaction syncing

  • Get up-to-the-minute reports, charts, and graphs

  • Assign every dollar a place in your budget

Pros

  • Lots of budgeting and savings features

  • Add data manually or automatically

  • Access financial education resources

Cons

  • Monthly subscription fee

  • Can have a bit of a learning curve

Best for

Building a budget and managing financial goals like debt payoff and savings.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.7

Apple App Store: 4.8

Overall average: 4.75

App NameBest forProsConsAverage User Rating
Achieve GOODComprehensive budgeting and debt payoff systemFree Track spending Track subscriptions Optional debt consolidation and debt resolutionLimited customization Can’t pay bills through the app4.4
BrightAI solution to manage budget and debt payoffPay debts from the app AI-powered strategy Hands-off debt payoff strategyAutomatic account withdrawals and debt payments Hefty membership fees4.7
Debt Payoff PlannerEasy-to-use app with laser-focus on debtOrganize accounts by types Test repayment scenarios Easy set-upCan’t pay bills through the app Must manage manually4.6
Rocket MoneyGetting rid of unwanted subscriptionsEasier to cancel services Helps you anticipate cash flow needs Suggestions for improving money managementCan’t pay your bills through the app Pre-set budget categories and limits Most features are premium and not free4.45
You Need a Budget (YNAB)Building a budget and setting financial goalsAutomatic account and transaction syncing Get up-to-the-minute reports, charts, and graphs Assign every dollar a place in your budgetMonthly subscription fee Can have a bit of a learning curve4.75

Tips for choosing the right credit card debt payoff app

Here are some factors to think about when choosing a credit card debt payoff app:

  • Consider your financial goals. Is your goal to simplify your debt payments? Or maybe you want to pay off debt as quickly as possible. Perhaps you want to lower your borrowing costs. If you start by figuring out what you want to do, it will help you choose the right tool.

  • Check compatibility. Make sure the debt payment app works with the type of debt accounts you have, and that the app works with your device.

  • Read reviews. Random user comments should be taken with a grain of salt, but expert reviews can be revealing. These can alert you to an app’s particular quirks. 

  • Consider costs. Most debt payoff and budgeting apps are free to download, but may include only the most basic functions. You may have to pay extra to take advantage of additional features. 

  • Test the app. Take advantage of free trials, and invest some time into setting up each app you want to consider. Choosing an app you love could make it easier to manage your debt payoff strategy. 

Remember, paying off credit card debt takes a while. Your debt payoff app should be like a buddy, committed for the long haul.

A look into the world of debt relief seekers

We looked at a sample of data from Freedom Debt Relief of people seeking debt relief during November 2024. This data highlights the wide range of individuals turning to debt relief.

Credit card balances by age group for those seeking debt relief

How do credit card balances vary across different age groups? In November 2024, people seeking debt relief showed the following trends in their open credit card tradelines and average credit card balances:

  • Ages 18-25: Average balance of $9,117 with a monthly payment of $282

  • Ages 26-35: Average balance of $12,438 with a monthly payment of $390

  • Ages 36-50: Average balance of $15,436 with a monthly payment of $431

  • Ages 51-65: Average balance of $16,159 with a monthly payment of $529

  • Ages 65+: Average balance of $16,546 with a monthly payment of $499

These figures show that credit card debt can affect anyone, regardless of age. Managing credit card debt can be challenging, whether you're just starting out or nearing retirement.

Home-secured debt – average debt by selected states

According to the 2023 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) (using 2022 data) the average home-secured debt for those with a balance was $212,498. The percentage of families with mortgage debt was 42%.

In November 2024, 25% of the debt relief seekers had a mortgage. The average mortgage debt was $236504, and the average monthly payment was $1882.

Here is a quick look at the top five states by average mortgage balance.

State% with a mortgage balanceAverage mortgage balanceAverage monthly payment
California20$391,113$2,710
District of Columbia17$339,911$2,330
Utah31$316,936$2,094
Nevada25$306,258$2,082
Massachusetts28$297,524$2,290

The statistics are based on all debt relief seekers with a mortgage loan balance over $0.

Housing is an important part of a household's expenses. Remember to consider all your debts when looking for a way to get debt relief.

Support for a Brighter Future

No matter your age, FICO score, or debt level, seeking debt relief can provide the support you need. Take control of your financial future by taking the first step today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get rid of credit card debt for free?

Getting out of debt isn’t free. You might be able to get rid of your credit card debt for less than what you owe if you:

  • File for bankruptcy. With Chapter 7, you may not have to pay your credit card debt, but you might lose some assets. Chapter 13 can get you reduced fees and a repayment plan with more time to pay. All bankruptcies have court fees and most have attorney fees. 

  • Negotiate a debt settlement with your lenders to pay a lower amount than you owe. 

Are there credit card debt forgiveness programs?

If you’re struggling to repay your credit card debts, here are some options to explore:

  1. Debt settlement or debt resolution: negotiate with your creditors to pay less than your outstanding balance. You can negotiate on your own or get help from a reputable organization.

  2. Debt management plan: work with a credit counseling agency to create a repayment plan. They can negotiate a lower interest rate with your credit card companies. 

  3. Bankruptcy: this might help you get a payment plan or get rid of credit card debt. But you may have to give up assets. 

Are there apps for budgeting?

Yes. Several apps like PocketGuard, Mint, You Need A Budget (YNAB), and the Achieve GOOD app (Get Out Of Debt) can help you set a budget, track transactions, and stay on top of your financial goals. Some apps also let you link bank accounts and creditor accounts.