Enrolling in a credit card debt settlement plan is a turning point. In most cases, enrollment begins a period of financial recovery and new prosperity. Participants should reduce credit card minimum payments and slash total finance charges through debt consolidation. The allure of these benefits entices many people to hire a settlement company before adequately evaluating offers. In particular, pay attention to a few common issues that companies may not mention.
Consolidation companies charge fees. These fees typically include a monthly maintenance fee to cover administrative costs. In addition, most companies also charge a setup fee to establish a plan. Monthly fees may range from $25 up to $60. The setup fee is frequently equivalent to regular plan payments. For example, if a plan requires a monthly payment of $500 over two years, setup fees of $500 are common. Plans may incorporate a delay of one month before plan payments are required, so that the first payment can be applied towards the setup fee.
Plan fees increase the cost of repaying credit card accounts. The best companies insure that fees are reasonable and that discounts achieved through settlements justify all fees charged. Few companies reveal the percentage of fees charged in relation to total payments. This percentage is easily calculated by dividing total fees by total plan payments. In one sense, fees are the cost of obtaining discounts through a professional negotiating service.
Settling debts results in repayment of less than the original principal amount owed. Settlements are voluntary, yet lenders nevertheless frequently report settlements to credit reporting agencies. Most often, credit reports include a statement that an account was compromised by agreement. Future lenders interpret this reference as a charged off loan.
Anyone can negotiate payment reductions directly with a lender. The results of negotiating personal accounts are mixed. A degree of expertise is required to motivate lenders who may not trust an account-holder's personal explanation of financial difficulties. Alternatively, professional negotiators develop relationships with credit card companies over time. In most situations, professional negotiators produce better settlements. Nevertheless, each account-holder may avoid fees and potentially receive the same benefits.
Free estimates for costs and benefits are not guaranteed. The final amount of the plan payment is determined through negotiation of individual accounts. A few lenders may demand a higher percentage or principal owed. A few lenders may accept a lower percentage. Estimates are based on experience negotiating agreements with each lender in the past. As a result, the actual plan payments required is seldom equal to the original estimate.
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