If you live in Atlanta, it might take longer to pay off credit cards

How long it takes to pay off credit cards depends on the amount of debt and how much you make.

How long it takes to pay off credit cards depends on the amount of debt and how much you make.

It's nearly impossible to get by these days without a credit card.

Paying off those cards can feel close to impossible, as well.

Lessening the debt can be more difficult if you live in Atlanta.

CreditCards.com used reports from credit bureau Experian to find the average balance on cards in the 25 largest U.S. cities.

"The time it takes to pay that balance was calculated using 15 percent of the median earnings for each city, according to Census Bureau figures," CreditCards.com writes.

"Fifteen percent of earnings is a rule of thumb used by some credit counselors to evaluate debt repayment plans."

The cities were ranked by the number of months it would take someone to pay off their debt. If cities tied, they were ranked by how much interest would accrue.

Atlanta ranks third, tied with Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami-Fourt Lauderdale.

According to the analysis, it would take 14 months for an Atlantan making the median income to get rid of credit card debt. To read the full report, click here.

There are ways to pay off debt faster, however. According to Clark Howard, you should pay off the card with the highest interest rate first.

Also, it's a good idea to make payments every 14 days instead of once a month.

For more tips on reducing your credit card debt, click here.

Having the right card can help reduce debt, as well.

The most popular cards, on average, have six fees tacked on. But some, including two issued by First Premier Bank, charge account holders 12 fees.

To read more about the best and worst cards to have, click here.