MAKING CENTS: Sort out all your credit card debt without delay

Grainne McGuinness offers the latest consumer advice.

I have a credit card that we normally clear in full. But an unexpected big car repair meant it built up from September and then most of our family spending over Christmas was added to it. It’s now over €3,000, and we won’t be able to pay it off completely for several months. I’m worried about how much interest will be added each month. A friend suggested we go to our bank and get a loan but we are worried they will want to cancel the card. It is the only credit card we have, my wife is an authorised user, and we’re concerned about booking holidays and other things with no credit card. What is our best option? Kevin L, Navan, Co Meath

You are right to address the situation. Even a few months of not clearing the debt will lead to high interest charges.