These two credit union cards, what are their interest rates and limits? Are they still open? Does it have a balance transfer fee? Any chance you could request an increase on these CU cards? Maybe even use a hard inquiry, and possibly combine the two cards assuming they are with the same bank?
Otherwise if theres no chance of an increase it would be a lot of effort with that low of a limit. Assuming no BT fee, you could still save a little moving a little at atime. But it would be sweet if you could get enough of an increase to transfer at least one of the high interest cards, or even a portion. And like others said not have a high util on a single card for an extended period. It wont hurt for short period in thte grand scheme of things.
And any of the other cards you do have if they are not with synchrony bank it might be worth a shot asking for an increase. And always ask for interest rate reductions.
Doing these things would require your continued commitment since you'd either end up with more available credit, adding an inquies, or maybe even eventually adding another card. And if you were not commited long term it could do more harm than good.
Mirroring another poster, if your interest was closer to 25% on some of these cards, you could qualify for a much lower rate by consolidating.
As far as a balance transfer card, with scores that low, your approval odds are not that great. Stick with the credit union (hopefully you bank there too). Maybe a personal loan from that CU if they are unwilling to increase your limits for the BT idea mentioned above (and actually adding another type of account would help your credit too).You have come to the right place. While 9800 may not sound like a lot for some, those monthly payments can start to rack up fast.
Once you have your new job, utilization down, etc, you would be in a position to have more flexibility to carry a balance like this at no interest, without opening another account by doing a debt shuffle. Moving the balance from a card that is charging you interest, but is sending you balance transfer check offers. Move that balance to a card that has no balance transfer fee, then move it back to the original card for promotional financing.
TLDRish- If you can't get an increase or assistance from your current credit union, snowball the cards. Pay off the highest interest ones first, while making slightly more than the minimum payment on the others. Then when its all paid off, continue to budget even with your increased income. Use coupons whenever possible.
Then start earning rewards for all of your spending in either cash or points that work the best for you. Then the banks are paying YOU!
