Chloe Meltzer | December 01, 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
You may want to look into what option looks best to you, whether that is a lump-sum settlement, hardship agreement, or workout agreement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James
>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit: A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance
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