Sharing my own experience here hope can help / give some of you here some glimpse of light.
I had been drown in credit card debts / overdrafts / personal loans for many years since 2007.
Initially I'm still able to cope with the monthly payment but when the wants gets more desirable, the expenses increased and debts increase tremendous.
Even so, I'm still able to pay off most of my credit cards / personal loans / auto loan / over draft minimum payment every month.
However, I could never see the principle amount getting lower or lesser. Even when I get bonus, I would pay up a lump sum and it just seems like the principle dropped just abit only.
Last 2 years, I kept receiving the previously called RAS (Repayment Assistance Scheme) from all the banks but I thought it doesn't help me as I really need a properly credit card due to my expenses and travel needs. So I just kept on paying the monthly minimum.
My credit report that I had downloaded from CBS ranges from DD initially, to EE, then GG and finally HH all the way.
Last year, i had decided to put a stop to all these and found out about the revised debt repayment scheme Debt Consolidation. It was like a calling from heaven and it fits my need as it also give a credit card for urgent expenses. Thanks to this thread I've received alot of information and knowledge on Debt Consolidation Plan.
I went on to apply for HSBC as everyone suggested and had a hard time submitting all the statements / documents as I had held on to alot of credit facilities (estimated 20). At the same time i submitted to UOB, SCB and Maybank.
Finally, UOB response was much faster and easier than the rest. I pushed it through together with my UOB Financial Consultant and my DCP was approved in a week! I got my approval in Nov 2017.
Then all the payments came in, with all the hassle of calling up banks to confirm on the credit cards / overdrafts / personal loans payment and refund of the additional amount (5%) back to me. It took almost 2 months to settled that.
3 months down, I more careful with my spendings, using debit card for all my expenses and purchases. If I need to use credit card, I would make sure I pay full amount the next day or when pays come in. Hopefully I can push on with this habit
I did a Home Loan enquiry application today, not sure if anyone can get a good loan amount on DCP. I went in to check if the bank review my Credit Report so that I can get a free download. Indeed, the bank had reviewed and I'm able to download the Credit Report. I went in to download and check that my ratings had upgraded to AA!! I've never had AA rating before.
So to everyone there, do press on if you are under debts and want to be clean from it. I've still got 6 years of repayment but I'm comfortable with the payment amount.
Jiayou!