Can I use my 401(k) to pay off credit card debt?

It could seem like a good idea to use your 401(k) to pay off credit card debt, but there are some things to know first. DOUGLAS SACHA/Getty Images

With credit card interest rates hovering near historic highs — they're averaging north of 21% currently — it's no surprise that many cardholders are struggling to keep up with their payments right now. Not only does the average cardholder owe about $8,000 on their credit cards currently, but the total amount of credit card debt nationwide topped $1.18 trillion earlier this year, indicating how pervasive this issue has become. And, issues with inflation, job instability and rising living costs have only made it harder to keep up. 

So, if you're carrying a balance month to month, you might be scrambling for solutions — and may even be eyeing the money in your 401(k) as a lifeline.

On paper, it seems to make sense: Why keep letting the interest charges compound when you have thousands of dollars sitting in a retirement account? But while tapping into your 401(k) to get out of credit card debt may seem like a good idea, is it even possible to do that? Your 401(k) comes with big borrowing restrictions, after all, so before you start banking on that account to help you get out of debt, there are a few important things to know.

Find out what credit card debt relief options you have now.

Can I use my 401(k) to pay off credit card debt?

Technically, yes — you can use your 401(k) to pay off credit card debt. However, the method you choose matters. You have two primary options: a 401(k) loan or a 401(k) withdrawal.

401(k) loan

Some employer-sponsored retirement plans let you borrow from your 401(k) and repay the funds with interest over time. You're typically allowed to borrow up to 50% of your vested balance, or $50,000, whichever is less. This may sound like an appealing option since you're essentially paying yourself back when you borrow with a 401(k) loan, and the interest rate is usually much lower than credit card rates.

That said, there are risks. If you leave your job (voluntarily or not), the loan typically becomes due in full. If you can't repay it within a short time frame — usually 60 days — it's treated as a distribution and taxed accordingly. Worse, if you're under 59½, you'll likely owe a 10% early withdrawal penalty on top of regular income tax.

Learn how to start tackling your high-rate credit card debt today.

401(k) withdrawal

Taking the 401(k) withdrawal route involves pulling the money outright from your retirement savings with no strings attached, meaning you don't have to pay it back. That can make a withdrawal sound appealing compared to a loan, especially if you're struggling financially.

However, this option can be far more expensive than a 401(k) loan overall. For starters, early withdrawals from a 401(k) before age 59½ come with that 10% penalty, and you'll also owe income taxes on the amount. So if you withdraw $30,000, you could lose $10,000 or more of that to taxes and penalties, depending on your income bracket.

In both scenarios, the real loss is the compound growth you're giving up. Using that money to pay off debt now might solve a short-term problem, but it can drastically reduce your future financial stability.

What other options should I consider?

Before tapping into your 401(k), it makes sense to explore other debt relief options that won't jeopardize your retirement security, like:

Debt consolidation loans: A debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate than your credit cards can simplify repayment and reduce how much interest you pay over time. Many people with good or fair credit use this strategy to streamline multiple debts into one manageable monthly payment.Balance transfer credit cards: Some credit cards offer 0% APR introductory periods on balance transfers, with the promotional periods typically lasting between 12 and 21 months. If you qualify for this type of offer, you can move your high-rate balances to a new card and pay it off interest-free over the intro period.Credit counseling: Credit counseling agencies offer free or low-cost guidance and can help you enroll in a debt management plan. These plans consolidate your credit card debts into a single monthly payment, often with reduced interest rates and waived fees. The benefit of this option is that it's not a loan and it doesn't require tapping into your assets.Debt settlement: If your debt has become unmanageable and you're behind on payments, a debt relief company can help negotiate with your creditors to try and reduce what you owe in return for a lump sum payment. This can impact your credit score in the short term, but it may be a path worth considering if bankruptcy feels like the only other option.Bankruptcy: Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy can discharge or restructure credit card debt if your financial situation is truly dire. This option comes with serious financial and credit consequences but can offer a clean slate when all else fails.The bottom line

While you can use your 401(k) to pay off credit card debt, the real question is, should you? More often than not, the long-term financial damage outweighs the short-term relief of taking this route. Between the taxes, penalties and lost growth potential, you could be setting yourself up for major issues in the future, even if it fixes your immediate debt issues.

So, before touching your retirement savings, take time to evaluate alternatives like debt consolidation, credit counseling or even debt settlement. When tackling debt, tapping into your 401(k) should be a last resort, not a go-to solution. After all, your future self deserves a shot at financial stability, too.

Angelica Leicht

Angelica Leicht is the senior editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications.