 TITLE: Should I Pay Off My Credit Card Debt Immediately or Over Time? CONTENT: The impact on your credit and finances of carrying credit card balances should be enough to convince you that low or no credit card debt is best. But don't get discouraged if you can't afford to pay off your credit cards all at once. The average U.S. consumer carries a credit card balance of nearly $6,200, not an amount most can quickly come up with. While it may feel overwhelming, try to focus on paying down the debt as soon as possible.\nHere are strategies to help you pay off credit card debt. END