Credit card debt may seem like the most impossible hole to dig yourself out of.

The interest payments compile, leaving you deeper and deeper in debt even if you stop using the cards.

You may even find yourself using lower interest cards to pay off higher interest cards.

However, there are some options that may hurt you instead of help.

First is bankruptcy. This is a choice that’s more common than you think—and is always used as the failsafe to “wipe the slate clean”.

However, bankruptcy isn’t a free or even a cheap process:

Both types of bankruptcies have fees — more than you might expect. The filing fee, as of June 1, 2014, is $350. It may be waived in certain cases. You will probably also pay an attorney; fees between $2,500 and $5,500 are common. You’ll also be required to get credit counseling and take a personal financial management course, each of which may cost about $50.

Debt settlement is another option, but it’s not easy to obtain:

You need a reason for the bank to accept your offer, such as prolonged unemployment, serious illness, divorce, or another financial catastrophe.

Plus, you have to pay off your debt all at once, so if you’re making minimum payments because it’s all you can afford, this is not the best option for you.

Debt consolidation is the option of taking out one large loan and paying off all your debts. Sounds simple enough, right?

You may have to pay a 3% to 5% fee as a closing cost. The interest rates for an unsecured debt-consolidation loan may not be much lower than you’re currently paying on your credit card debt. If you have good credit, the rates may be 12 to 15%. If you’re in serious trouble, which is likely why you would be seeking a debt-consolidation loan in the first place, you may pay interest rates as high as 30%.

These options are often thought of as easy breaks from being stuck with mounting credit card debt. But these are only last-ditch efforts. Sometimes, just consistently making the minimum payments may be the best option.