There are always different ways for doing something but this doesn't mean that all of them are right and that you should pick one of them blindly.
Clearing credit card debt is not an exception and you should consider all the alternatives before you set your mind on any of them, especially before you opt for bankruptcy.
This is no longer the easiest way out of credit card balances but it is safe to say that it is one of the hardest ways to clear debt and to prevent it in the future.
A good way out of credit card debt is to consolidate it.
This means that you opt for another loan which you can use to pay all the creditors.
This loan has lower interest rates than the ones practiced by the credit card companies and it makes your monthly payments much more affordable.
The penalties are gone and you will actually start to see your debt decrease as you pay and eventually clear.
But the easiest way out of credit card is probably debt settlement.
This option does not make it possible for you to pay lower interest rates but you will also pay a smaller amount of debt in total.
You will have to contact the credit card company and negotiate with them so that you both agree on an amount that is affordable but also reasonable.
The creditors will agree because at this point they just want to get the loan back and don't want you file for bankruptcy and give them nothing.
The government makes it easier by giving the creditor stimulus money to encourage them to settle for less and also by granting tax relief to help both parts get past this process.
With bankruptcy you will have had a low credit score for a very long period but with debt settlement, you credit score will be very good as soon as you pay the creditor and clear your debt.
This will make it easier for you to stay out of debt in the future and also to live a good and healthy life.