Not paying credit card debt means that you rack up more and more debt each month. If you fail to pay your credit card debt for a few months in a row, you will see your credit score significantly drop, and you may even receive a debt lawsuit notification from the creditor. In order to avoid permanent damage to your finances and credit score, and to stay out of court, take the following credit card debt actions today.

Don’t Ignore Your Debt

Confront your debt head-on. Do not ignore it, or it will simply grow and grow until it becomes unmanageable. Credit card companies want your money, and they’ll go after it. In order to get out of debt and then remain debt-free, you must want your money more than they do. Ignoring your debt, or not paying credit card debt, will not make it go away. It simply compounds the issue and makes it that much more stressful and burdensome over time.

Stop Using Your Credit Card

For individuals who are not paying credit card debt, the first thing they should do is to stop using their credit card. If you keep using the card, you’re just accumulating more and more debt. Don’t cancel your credit card, as this will affect your credit score. Instead, simply stop using the card.

Instead of using plastic as invisible money, use actual, tangible cash for purchases. You’ll quickly realize that it’s a lot harder to part from actual cash than to just swipe plastic without even realizing that it is actual money (that you don’t have).

Understand Your Debt

Once you realize what a poor decision not paying credit card debt can be, begin learning about ways to alleviate your debt. Becoming aware of what you truly owe, rather than ignoring the reality of your debt, puts you in control and allows you to face your debt from a position of power. Begin by gathering all related debt documentation you need, such as bank records, balance statements, and cancelled checks. Then, request a detailed overview of your debt from the creditor, so that you can compare your records with theirs and assess any discrepancies or inaccuracies.

Take Control

Credit card companies expect most debtors to not understand the ins and outs of debt, or to simply being too lazy to change it. Empower yourself by paying attention to the interest rate you’re being charged on your credit card. If you’re currently charged a high rate, find a credit card that offers a lower rate. Otherwise, you’re willingly and knowingly throwing away hundreds of dollars each year on interest payments alone. Also pay close attention to your credit card company’s hidden costs and fees.