Settling Credit Card Debt Without a Debt Settlement Company
Overview of Debt Settlement
There are many benefits to settling credit card debts. Even more benefits if you can settle credit card debt without a debt settlement company.
By forgoing the settlement company, the borrower saves the fees that are tacked on by the company, therefore greatly reducing the size of the debt owed to the credit card lender.
By reaching a debt settlement agreement prior to the debt being passed to the debt company, the debtor can save an incredible amount in the reduction of fees.
When a debt settlement company gets involved, it is much harder to reach a settlement. When a company is involved, the borrower adds on another creditor making it even harder to get out of.
The borrower will then have to pay back the debt company the original debt plus the fees added on by the debt company. So reaching a settlement with the creditor prior to a settlement company getting involved is always ideal.
Tips to Settle Credit Card Debt
In order to settle the credit card debt independently, there are things that the borrow must have available and specific things they need to know prior to placing their call to the credit card lender. They are:
- All paperwork from lender to borrower. This includes a recent credit card statement along with any past due notices and any settlement notices from lender.
- A settlement figure they are willing to agree to. Before placing the call to the credit card company, the borrow needs to come up with a realistic settlement amount to present to the lender. This figure can be a lump sum payment or a reduction of the monthly payment.
- The borrower will also need to know how long the debt has been past due. The length of time plays a pivotal role in just how willing the lender will be in reaching a credit card debt settlement.
- When dealing with the lender, the borrower needs to always refrain from becoming frustrated and argumentative. In doing this, the borrower is more likely to reach a settlement with the lender. Even if a settlement is not reached at that time, the borrow still needs to act in a courteous and mannerly way.
- Borrowers should push for removal of fees and penalties. By doing this the borrower greatly reduces the amount of the debt owed to lender.
When calling the credit card lender, the borrower must always keep in mind that the goal is to reduce the credit card debt amount, not to completely wipe away the debt.
By the borrower getting the credit card lender to remove the fees and penalties, the credit card debt settlement is much more manageable.
An Important Side Note
It is important to know that not all borrowers will be able to reach a settlement on their credit card debt.
It is also important to know that not all settlements will be reached prior to a debt settlement company gets involved. It is equally important to note, that it is always worth a try.
It may also be a good idea to check your credit history and ordering a copy to make sure there are no unknown or incorrect marks on your credit file..
