How Can I Settle Credit Card Debts Myself?

The average American family these days owes at least $10,000 of credit card debt, plus a mortgage and at least one car payment. Many consumers have fallen into the trap of only being able to make the minimum monthly payment or worse make the payments on an irregular basis. Does this sound like you? Have you wondered "How I can settle credit card debts myself?

reduce credit card debt

One answer is through debt settlement, convincing your creditors to take less than the full amount owed. Like the pharmaceutical advertisements on TV, debt settlement isn't for everyone.

Your accounts must be at least 6 months over due. In other words no payments have been made for 180 days. At that point the bank or credit card company will have written off the balance of the card. It is still a valid account but its worth to the bank is close to nothing. If you make a payment on the account its value increases and the creditor won't negotiate.

You must have some funds available to pay at least 50% of what you owe. Most creditors won't agree to anything much lower when negotiating with an individual creditor. Of course start the discussions with an amount that is 35% to 40% of what you owe so you have some wiggle room.

It's fine to start the debt settlement procedure with a phone call but it's best to get everything in writing. Your job is to convince the creditor that there is no way that you can possible pay more than what you're offering to settle for. It may not be pleasant but if you've lost your job, gone through a divorce or have major medical bills to pay, the creditor needs to know that.

get out of debt now

The creditor may insist that you make a payment, even just a small payment immediately, to show your good faith. But remember, if you do that you bring the account to day 1. Accounts must have had no payments for 180 days to be eligible for settlement.
Until the creditor has agreed, in writing, and you've made the settlement payment, the creditor can pursue legal action. As soon as you receive a debt settlement agreement, send in a check for the amount with a copy of the agreement by registered mail or overnight delivery.

Debt settlement is one answer to the question: How can I settle credit card debts myself?