You CAN consolidate your CC debt into one manageable credit card with a decent rate. If you are a college graduate or part of a national organization, see if your university or organizations have any credit card offers with 0% for the first year intro offers. Also, by doing it through an organization, you will get a much better rate than you have now. And that’s my emergency card.
My first year in college the max I could get was a $500 limit with 26% interest rate. I signed up for our FSU Booster credit card and got a $4000 limit with a 9% rate. (With practically no credit). The limit on that card has continually gone up, and the rate has stayed the same.
By consolidating, you will have less bills to worry about and likely a smaller minimum payment. This is a big deal. Do NOT EVER pay the minimum payment. Stick to as close to as what you are paying now above and add that to the minimum payment. It will help you pay down your original balance faster, and save you alot in interest.
IF you do this, CLOSE your other credit cards… You should NEVER need a 20+% interest card, and closing them will reduce the temptation to consolidate, free up your credit and build up even more debt! (Since it may seem like you don’t have the self control to not charge)
Also get clarification on balance transfer fees, before you consider any of these options.
FINALLY: I’ve NEVER seen any offer in the mail like that which was actually legitimate. And I’ve seen quite a few offers. Don’t even consider that one you got in the mail.
Amendment: I just read an answer you posted to another question and if you are this seriously in debt (and this is beyond serious 25% is unthinkable!!!), then nix the facial scrubs with lotions, and nix the pedicures! These are really things that you can sacrifice every month and use the savings to pay down your debt! It’s totally worth it, and I promise, you can care for your own feet. Your facial skin will also survive with regular body wash!