Is Credit Systems International Legit? How to Settle Debt

George Simons | January 23, 2025

Fact-checked by Patrick Austin, J.D.

Patrick Austin
Attorney from George Mason
Patrick Austin, JD

Patrick Austin is a licensed attorney with a background in data privacy and information security law. Patrick received his law degree at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief for the National Security Law Journal.

George Simons
Co-Founder of SoloSuit
George Simons, JD/MBA

George Simons is the co-founder and CEO of SoloSuit. He has helped Americans protect over $1 billion from predatory debt lawsuits. George graduated from BYU Law school in 2020 with a JD-MBA. In his spare time, George likes to cook, because he likes to eat.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Settle debt with Credit Systems International by responding to lawsuits, offering 40–60% of owed debt, negotiating terms, signing a written agreement, and paying on time. Solo can help you streamline the settlement process.

Yes, Credit Systems International is legit. It’s a debt collection company that hires callers to contact you about delinquent debt and work with you to pay it off. If Credit Systems International keeps calling, keep reading to learn how to negotiate and settle your debt for less.

Settle debt with Credit Systems

You can negotiate debt settlement at any stage of the collections process. SoloSettle makes it easy.

Settle with SoloSettle

What is Credit Systems International?

Credit Systems International is a debt collection agency based in Fort Worth, TX. Creditors, healthcare providers, banks, and financial institutions hire Credit Systems International to collect overdue payments on their behalf. This agency prioritizes compliance, which means that it focuses on training its employees and agents to treat people with respect and integrity when working with them to collect debts.

Who does Credit Systems International collect for?

Credit Systems International collects for companies in the healthcare and utility industries and government organizations.

Settle debt with Credit Systems International in 5 steps

The best way to resolve a debt is to settle it for less, especially if you can’t afford to pay the full amount. Here are five steps you can take to settle debt with Credit Systems International:

  1. Respond to any pending lawsuits. If you’ve been sued for debt, be sure to draft and file a written Answer with the court and send a copy of it to the opposing lawyer. This will block a default judgment and give you time to negotiate a settlement.
  2. Evaluate your income and determine how much you can afford to pay. If you can afford to pay a chunk of the debt, this might be in your favor. You can offer to settle the debt for a percentage of the original amount. Many collectors accept these types of offers because they’d rather settle than get nothing at all.
  3. Make a realistic offer that’s slightly lower than the maximum amount you can afford. This will give you room to negotiate, but the collector will still take your offer seriously. 40%-60% is often a good place to start for debt negotiations.
  4. Expect counteroffers. Sending an offer to settle doesn’t automatically guarantee settlement. It will probably take a few rounds of negotiating before you reach an amicable agreement with Credit Systems International.
  5. Get the final agreement in writing. This is typically called a debt settlement agreement, often referred to as a stipulated judgment if there’s a lawsuit pending. Both you and the collector (or opposing attorney) should sign the agreement and file it into any pending court cases.
  6. Pay the amount as agreed. Failure to fulfill the settlement agreement may make matters worse, and it could result in more legal action, wage garnishment, and even liens on your property.

To learn more about these six steps, watch the following video where an expert attorney shares tips on how to settle debt with collectors like Credit Systems International:

Read Credit Systems International reviews online to prepare to negotiate with them

Let’s take a look at a real Credit Systems International review from Sherly Piton:

“Relocated from Texas to Maryland. I thought I paid my last bill in full. Had a little balance that flew under the radar. The account was sent to collection. I wasn't too happy about that but I was able to call and pay it in full and the account was deleted from my credit report. The representative I spoke to was really nice and took care of me. Thank you!”

As you can see, it’s not that complicated to resolve debt with collectors like Credit Systems International, but you have to be willing to communicate and be open about your debt situation. If you have experienced life events that made it hard to pay your bills, tell the collector about it. They may have options for you to settle your debt for less.

Settle with SoloSettle

Make an Offer

What is a bad credit score?

Creditors or loan lenders are a necessity to any country's economy and development. They allow you to purchase goods and services on credit and pay later. Credit card companies require you to pay a minimum amount every month to offset your accrued debt.

If you pay attention to credit card policies, you will realize hidden benefits and privileges. Some will even help you beat the credit systems at their own game.

How well you offset your debt determines your credit score. If you pay the monthly payments on time, the credit bureaus give you a good credit score. A good rating enables you to qualify for higher loan limits, get competitive interest rates and improve your overall creditworthiness.

Despite making reasonable efforts to maintain a good credit score on your end, credit card systems might negatively list your accounts on credit ranking. Accidental listing usually happens due to inaccurate information and errors or if the company does not update your payment information. When this happens, you get a bad credit score, and the creditor might forward your account to credit bureaus.

Use SoloSuit to respond to debt collection lawsuits in 15 minutes.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

To ensure your credit score is reflected from your efforts, do the following:

1. Request Your Credit Report

You can get free credit reports from the credit bureau, but not more than three times a year. To do this, send your request by contacting the Annual Credit Report Request Service through their cell phone number, 1-877-322-8228.

You may also mail in your request through this address:

Annual Credit Report Request Service,

P.O BOX 105281, Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5281.

You may also purchase the paid request from the credit bureau from as low as $1.

2. Check Your Credit Report for Inaccuracies

Your credit report contains your credit history, personal information, and account status. If any of this information is inaccurate, you will get a bad credit score, despite your efforts to repay on time. Check for the following common errors:

  • Incorrect personal data such as misspelled names, contacts, and wrong address
  • Inclusion of accounts you do not own
  • Inaccurate account status, e.g., bankruptcy and foreclosed accounts
  • Duplicate accounts
  • Unauthorized activity on your account
  • Incorrect inquiries such as additional loans
  • Incorrect payment records
  • False, derogatory remarks

3. Report and Correct Errors on Your Credit Report

Once you realize your credit report is crooked, raise this issue with the credit bureau. You can do this online on the bureau's website, send them an email, or call them. Be ready to support your claims with relevant documents such as bank statements, identity cards, account information, and transaction statements.

As you dispute the credit report inaccuracies with the credit bureau, you should also let the credit company know about ongoing disputes. It takes 30-45 days to get feedback from the credit bureau.

Protect your credit score by responding to debt collectors with Solo.

4. Avoid Overdue Balances by Paying on Time

Creditors update a defaulted payment on your account only after missing the deadline within thirty days. This timeframe is known as the grace period.

Utilize your grace period to pay the total amount of your minimum monthly payment. If you miss the deadline, the creditor will forward your account to the credit bureau, thus lowering your credit score.

A negative, derogatory remark on your credit history is reviewed after seven years, which could hurt your creditworthiness in the meantime.

5. Request a Credit Limit Increase From Your Creditor

If your credit history is positive, a creditor may increase your credit limit if you request them to do so. A higher credit limit raises your credit score.

Besides, you should maintain your credit ratio below thirty percent.

The credit utilization ratio generally refers to the amount you owe across several credit cards compared to your total available credit. The lower the overall credit utilization ratio, the higher your credit score.

6. Pay Higher Interest Loans and Smaller Loans First

If you have loans from different credit cards, pay the loans with a higher interest rate first. It prevents the accumulation of interest charges, which could negatively impact your credit score.

You might also consider paying off smaller loans first. Small balances are easy to offset, leaving you with fewer credits to think about.

7. Avoid Opening New Accounts Frequently

Opening new accounts now and then makes you look like a risky borrower. Furthermore, maintaining a credit account with good payment history for a long time earns you trust from the creditors and increases your credit score.

If you are unhappy with your credit account, talk to your card provider to renew your card under a different package. Creditors are obliged to do a product change upon request by a consumer. This way, you retain your old account's history while enjoying the new card.

Let Solo help you make the right defense the right way.

How should I maintain a good credit score?

It takes some effort to maintain a good credit score. The following steps can be taken that will help maintain a good credit score:

  • Avoid Interest Charges by Paying Balances in Full - If you pay your statement balance in full, you are free from interest charges, where many consumers clash with credit card companies.
  • Take Advantage of Your Grace Period - Generally, the grace period ranges between 21 and 25 days after the due date. If you pay your debt within this period, your credit score won't be affected. It actually boosts your credit score.
  • Keep Track of Your Credit Record - Check your credit records at least twice a year to monitor your information for errors. If you see any fraudulent activity and erroneous data, report to your creditor and credit bureau.
  • Maintain Good History With Multiple Credit Cards - When you maintain good payment routines with several credit cards, it creates a good impression on lenders. For instance, you could have one card paying for a car loan, and at the same time, you are offsetting a mortgage with another account, which will boost your credit score.
  • Do Not Close Old Accounts - Your old accounts bearing good payment history are a plus for your overall credit score. Even if you no longer use these accounts, don't close them.
  • Create an Auto-Payment Plan - To avoid missed deadlines, which lowers your credit score, especially when using several credit cards, set an auto-payment plan. You can set auto-payments for credit cards and utility bill payments online.

Follow these tips to beat credit systems

Apart from a good credit score, there are other ways to be on the winning side when dealing with credit systems. As the companies make money off your interest charges and tariffs, you have a chance to maximize your benefits and privileges as a credit cardholder.

Below are tips to employ for a fulfilling relationship with your creditor:

  • Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses - Credit card companies occasionally offer sign-up bonuses on new accounts to remain competitive. Pounce on these bonuses as many times as possible. However, you should ensure you apply the terms and conditions of the offer and afford the annual fees and pay off debt with all the accounts.
  • Request for Waivers on Fees - Credit companies may waive annual fees, foreign transactions tariffs, and overdue charges upon your request. Once in a while, the company offers waivers to beat competitors. Seize such opportunities to get your fees cleared.
  • Utilize Your Reward Card and Special Offers - If your credit card rewards points, miles, and cashback offers, do not ignore this offer. Stay alert for occasional giveaways. Read and understand the company's policies and offers, such as travel protection and price protection policies.

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Debt collector guides

Are you being contacted by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a great way to legally resolve debt, but it's usually best to consider it as a last resort. Here are some bankruptcy guides to help you decide which debt resolution option is best for you.

Check your case status

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created state guides on how to check the status of your case throughout the US, complete with online search tools and court directories.

Credit

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt, along with other credit-related resources.

Debt collection FAQs

Find answers to some of our the most commonly-asked questions about debt collection below.

Debt collection documents and templates

If you're dealing with debt, these documents and templates will help you respond, protect your rights, negotiate, and resolve your debts.

Debt relief

We’ve created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt settlement

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created state guides on debt settlement. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

Eviction

Facing an eviction? The following guides will help you navigate your situation with confidence.

Federal debt collection laws

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Legal aid

Helping people find access to justice is at the heart of Solo's misison. If you're dealing with a legal debt issue, the following guides will help you through it.

Medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing with medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Personal finance

Learn how to manage your finances and overcome crushing debt. Check out our personal finance guides below.

State debt collection laws

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote guides on each state’s statutes and more.

Stop collection calls

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Wage garnishment

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in your state, plus other wage garnishment resources.

The Debt Hotline

Hosted by Team Solo, The Debt Hotline breaks down debt and personal finance topics with help from attorneys, financial experts, and industry pros. We respond to real questions to help you navigate debt with knowledge and courage.

Other debt resources


Contents

Affordable Legal Help
Trustpilot

Respond to Your Debt Lawsuit

Get your professionally reviewed Answer in minutes. No expensive lawyers needed.

loading...
Get My Answer
Affordable Legal Help
Trustpilot

Respond to Your Debt Lawsuit

Get your professionally reviewed Answer in minutes. No expensive lawyers needed.

loading...
Get My Answer
loading...
Get My Answer