Pergunta · Debt
Is it worth paying the credit card bill with a personal loan?
The right question is not "is it worth swapping debt for debt?". It is "which of the two debts costs less?". And the answer for the Brazilian case is almost always the same: a personal loan costs much less than credit card revolving.
The numbers in 2026
| Type of debt | Average interest per year |
|---|---|
| Credit card revolving | 350% to 450% |
| Bill installment | 180% to 280% |
| Personal loan (large bank) | 60% to 200% |
| Payroll loan (public servant/CLT) | 20% to 30% |
| Overdraft | 120% to 200% |
The practical rule
If you can get a loan at a rate lower than the revolving (or installment), make the migration. The target number: any rate below 8% per month solves it. Ideally, aim for 5% per month or less.
Precautions before migrating
- Check CET (Total Effective Cost), not just the nominal rate, includes IOF and fees.
- Check if the loan is "to pay off the bill" (some lines only release for specific purposes).
- Do not use the released limit to spend more. Use it exclusively to zero the credit card debt.
- Stop using the card until stabilized, otherwise, you end up with two debts.