Americans are carrying more credit card debt than ever and the cost of holding that debt continues to climb. Total credit card balances have surged past $1.28 trillion nationwide and the average credit cardholder is paying interest at a rate above 21% , making it difficult to chip away at what's owed, especially as the interest charges compound over time. After all, as interest compounds on both the principal and the prior interest charges, even the most modest credit card balance can grow out