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How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

Chloe Meltzer | December 06, 2023

Chloe-Meltzer
Legal Expert
Chloe Meltzer, MA

Chloe Meltzer is an experienced content writer specializing in legal content creation. She holds a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, complemented by a Master’s in Marketing from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

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: Negotiation can save you tons of money. If you've been sued for a credit card debt, use SoloSuit to respond in 15 minutes and win your lawsuit.

When your card balance continues to rise, and you cannot pay off the balance, then you may find yourself in an incredibly stressful situation. Credit card debt can be a huge burden on your life. As the payments pile up and the interest adds on, it can feel like there is no end in sight. If you are in this position, you do have one option: to negotiate your credit card debt with your card company. Although paying off the debt is the best option, sometimes negotiation is the only option.

Why Your Credit Card Company is Willing to Negotiate

Most people put credit card debt at the bottom of their priorities. Typically individuals will put their car, utilities, and living expenses before that of their credit card. Although credit problems can haunt you for years to come, it does not feel like that right away.

This is why credit card companies are willing to negotiate. They know you won't put paying your debt at the top of your list, and they would rather recoup some money than nothing.

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

If you have decided that you want to negotiate with your credit card company, there are a few things to keep in find. Card companies may be reluctant to negotiate unless there is a chance you may file bankruptcy. You have the option to hire a professional to represent you, but you should begin with the following steps either way.

Find Out How Much You Owe

Before you begin negotiating your credit card debt, you need to check your account. Make sure you note the current interest rate on the account and any other important features.

Understand Your Options

You may want to look into what option looks best to you, whether that is a lump-sum settlement, hardship agreement, or workout agreement.

Call Your Credit Card Company

Once you have decided to handle the negotiations, you will need to call your credit card company. If you have elected to use representation, your lawyer will handle this step.

Ask to speak with the debt settlement or hardship department. You should explain your situation and attempt to make an offer. Stand your ground and be firm in what you are offering. Explain that you have no other option.

Explain Your Terms

Be sure to let the credit card company know if you plan to file bankruptcy or if you are thinking of hiring a lawyer. Most of the time, the card issuer would rather work with you directly. Be aware that at this point, they may choose to freeze your account or close it out altogether.

Write Down Everything

Be sure to take detailed notes regarding everything you discussed with the credit card representative. This will be helpful for when you follow up in the next few weeks.

Follow Up

You may need to follow up if you are unhappy with what the company has offered you. Do not be afraid to ask for a supervisor or to call back more than once. Persistence may get you what you want.

Obtain Written Proof

Once your card issuer agrees to a settlement that you can agree to, be sure to ask for proof in writing. If you do not have it in writing, it is a legal deal.

The Bottom Line

Although it can be extremely stressful to negotiate credit card debt, it is better to do it sooner than later. Rather than go to court or be sued for your debt, negotiation can help you get out of the hole you have dug yourself into. Eventually, the debt will subside and you can work on building your credit once again.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

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