Understanding Credit Card Debt Settlement
If you have more credit cards than you know how to manage, you may feel like your only option is bankruptcy. One thing you might consider before filing for bankruptcy, is whether debt settlement is a good option for you.
So, you may wonder why credit card companies are willing to accept less than what they are owed. The reason is that they may see that you are struggling financially and might file for bankruptcy. Most companies are willing to accept a settlement on your account if you call and make an offer. They understand that it would be better for them to collect a lump sum payment from you rather than let you file for bankruptcy and never collect at all. Credit cards are unsecured debt, so if a person files for bankruptcy, the credit card debt is erased and credit card companies have no chance of recovery.
Credit card debt settlement can be beneficial to a person who has fallen behind and feels that they will never be able to pay the debt off. Once the credit card debt is settled, you will no longer receive calls from your creditors requesting payment. This will give you peace of mind. You can begin rebuilding your credit. While debt settlement does hurt your credit score, it is a much better alternative than filing for bankruptcy. Secured credit cards are a great way to reestablish credit. You will then need to make wiser credit choices than you previously had. You are not starting over in the same way you would have to if you filed bankruptcy. You have credit history and have shown a willingness to settle your debts.
Although there are benefits to credit card debt settlement, there are also negative effects as well. Your credit file will reflect that your account was settled for less than the full balance owed. Future creditors may look at this and be reluctant to extend credit to you as they may also have to settle a debt with you in the future. So, debt settlement can lead to making it harder for you to obtain credit in the future.
You need to consider very carefully whether this is the best choice for you.
So, you may wonder why credit card companies are willing to accept less than what they are owed. The reason is that they may see that you are struggling financially and might file for bankruptcy. Most companies are willing to accept a settlement on your account if you call and make an offer. They understand that it would be better for them to collect a lump sum payment from you rather than let you file for bankruptcy and never collect at all. Credit cards are unsecured debt, so if a person files for bankruptcy, the credit card debt is erased and credit card companies have no chance of recovery.
Credit card debt settlement can be beneficial to a person who has fallen behind and feels that they will never be able to pay the debt off. Once the credit card debt is settled, you will no longer receive calls from your creditors requesting payment. This will give you peace of mind. You can begin rebuilding your credit. While debt settlement does hurt your credit score, it is a much better alternative than filing for bankruptcy. Secured credit cards are a great way to reestablish credit. You will then need to make wiser credit choices than you previously had. You are not starting over in the same way you would have to if you filed bankruptcy. You have credit history and have shown a willingness to settle your debts.
Although there are benefits to credit card debt settlement, there are also negative effects as well. Your credit file will reflect that your account was settled for less than the full balance owed. Future creditors may look at this and be reluctant to extend credit to you as they may also have to settle a debt with you in the future. So, debt settlement can lead to making it harder for you to obtain credit in the future.
You need to consider very carefully whether this is the best choice for you.
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