Credit cards are considered a classical Americanism. But the plastic money culture seems to be catching up in the UK too. Studies show that over 55% of the credit cards in Europe are issued in the UK - thanks to a strong economy coupled with low interest rates and easy availability of credit. The major drawback with credit cards is the facility to spend money even before you earn it. UK people are also committing the same sin as their US cousins and spending beyond their means resulting in mounting debts. Credit card debt management services in the UK are more or less the same as in the US. Consolidation of loans is possible and there are many agencies that negotiate with your creditors on your behalf for the restructuring of debts and reduction of interest rates. You can also take a fresh loan to pay off the existing credit card debts. But the credit counselors don’t consider it a good choice since the consolidation loans charge pretty high rates of interest and have many hidden clauses. Before opting for consolidation one should try the counseling services to know where they stand financially. And there is absolutely no need to shell out any money for counseling, since many free services are available. The Consumer Credit Counseling Service, National Debtline and the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau are some very prominent free counseling services. Counselors opine that instead of going for consolidation one should try to come to individual voluntary arrangements or out-of-court settlements with creditors. Since debt recovery is a very tough and expensive task, credit card companies are also favorable to such agreements that assure some payment with fewer hassles. However, your creditors are not legally bound to accept such arrangements. You should try the other options only after exhausting the personal efforts as mentioned above and on the advice of the counselors. The best of way dealing with credit card debts is to avoid credit altogether and live within your means - though it’s difficult to resist the temptation of spending before earning. One advantage of the UK over the US is that credit worthiness is based on payment performance rather than your income. Therefore, if you repay all your accumulated credit card debts diligently future credit might not be very problematic. One goof up with finances may not blot your books forever with the credit card companies. Another advantage is that in case there is no way you can repay the debts, filing for bankruptcy is much easier in the UK than in the US. So wiping the financial slate clean and getting fresh credit ratings is relatively easy.