Credit card debt is one of the biggest financial strains on the average American. Back when credit was easy to get, credit cards were seen as a badge of honor. These days, many Americans use them as a crutch.

By the end of 2008, Americans had a total of $972 billion in credit card debt, and the average cardholder owes more than $10,000.

While paying off $10,000 may seem like an impossible feat, here are some possible tactics to consider:

1. Stop using your credit card: Okay, this one may seem obvious. But the only way to pay off your credit cards is to stop using them. If you can stop using just one credit card, you’ll be one step closer to lowering your debt. And if you can stop using all of them…
2. Make more than just the minimum payment: credit card companies have developed some clever tricks to keep you in their pockets. And one of the sneakiest is the “gift” of a low minimum payment. Sometimes, the minimum due on your monthly statement is even less than the interest charged. If you fall for this trap, it means you’ll never get out from under your debt. Even if it hurts, pay more than the minimum.
3. Cancel automatic payments: Some services (like cable TV companies) offer a premium or free gift if you sign up for automatic payments—a great way to save. But if you’re making those payments with a credit card and don’t pay it off each month, you’re losing out big time. Try switching to making payments with a debit card, or, if possible, cancel the service altogether.
4. Ask for a lower interest rate: your credit card company wants to keep you as a customer. After all, every month you carry a balance, you’re putting money in their pocket. However, if you’ve made timely payments over time, you have some bargaining leverage. Many cards come with a high “preliminary” interest rate that the card companies expect to lower—but won’t unless you take action.
5. Visit your local library branch: if you’re spending money on books, magazines, music or movies, that’s money down the drain. You can get all these—and more—at the library. Subscriptions to online music services, magazines and DVD rentals may make up a big part of your entertainment budget. The selection may be a little lower, but you’ll find out how much farther your entertainment dollar stretches when everything is free! Besides, if you pay taxes, you’re already supporting your library whether you use it or not.
6. Tell friends and family about your plan: No one likes to admit that they’re in debt. However, you’ll be much more likely to get out from under it if your friends or family know. By making a plan and letting others know, you’ll get the support you need to follow through, even when faced with temptation.
7. Pay on time, every time: Procrastination is its own reward—and its own punishment. Every time you make a late payment, your credit card company charges you a fee, and you lose standing. You have much better odds at negotiating a lower interest rate or higher credit limit if you always pay on time. Better yet, pay early to avoid processing errors. If your payment due date is inconvenient—say, the same day as your payday—ask the credit card company to move the due date.
8. Check your credit report: Your credit report will have vital information about how you use your available credit. More importantly, you can make sure no one else is abusing your credit. From identity thieves to creditors who report false information, you can catch and report any suspicious activity. Use the government’s free website www.annualcreditreport.com to check the three reporting agencies. And avoid other companies that promise free reporting—they could end up costing you.
9. Use extra income to pay down debt, not add more: getting a windfall can be a great way to help eliminate debt—or to rack it up. From pay raises to birthday money to inheritances, a little extra money can go a long way. But it can also be an excuse to make an unnecessary purchase or two. If you find yourself saying “I can use this $300 to put towards that $1000 purchase, and just put the rest on credit”—stop now. You probably don’t need that item, and you definitely don’t need the debt.
10. File bankruptcy: If you’ve explored the other options to eliminate credit card debt and still can’t get a handle on your finances, filing bankruptcy may be an option. Chapter 7 of the personal bankruptcy code eliminates high credit card debt. It can also eliminate a lot of property you own, too, so be sure to speak with a local bankruptcy attorney if you’re considering filing.