Citibank Sears MasterCard Settlement

If I understand your message correctly, Citibank Sears MasterCard is offering to place a hold on your credit card account, will debit your checking account $207 each month for five years, and will charge you virtually no interest.

In effect, Citibank Sears MasterCard is enrolling you in what is called in the trade a Debt Management Plan (DMP). This is the business model for Credit Card Counseling Services (CCCS), which create DMPs for consumers who have several delinquent credit card accounts. The advantage of the Citibank Sears MasterCard offer is the program’s cost: $440.81 over the five-year period. Your total out-of-pocket outlay will be $12,420. This is a bargain in comparison to a CCCS DMP, which would cost you about $900 in fees for a five-year plan, plus interest that would total $1,100 or more. A CCCS DMP will outlay would be $15,000 or more depending on the interest negotiated.

You have two viable alternatives to the offer from Citibank Sears MasterCard. The first is debt settlement.

Alternative No. 1: Debt Settlement

Debt settlement is generally viewed as a more aggressive approach for consumers than credit counseling, and although it can be more risky, the potential savings achieved in debt settlement are often much greater. In debt settlement, the debt settlement firms negotiate with creditors to reduce the actual principal balance of their clients’ debts. Average negotiated settlements are around 50% of principal balance, with lower settlements seen by many consumers.

Because debt settlement firms negotiate on the principal debt, not the interest rate, many clients will have their debts resolved in three years or less. It is important to be aware, however, that during a debt settlement program no minimum payments are being made by the consumer. This will cause the face value of the debts to grow with over-limit and late fees. In addition, interest will continue to be applied and this additional amount should be calculated in to any savings estimations.

Assuming a 50% settlement amount, and approximately 20% in costs, a debt settlement program will result in a total out-of-pocket outlay of $7,000 to $9,000. The advantage of a debt settlement would be your completing the plan in about three years instead of five as proposed by Citibank Sears MasterCard.

Alternative No. 2: Bankruptcy

Federal law provides for two basic types of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In a Chapter 7 case, absolves the debtor of the obligation to repay most or all of his unsecured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills, and payday loans. Chapter 7 is probably the most straightforward and least expensive form of debt relief, while a Chapter 13 allows a debtor to establish a court-supervised repayment plan of up to five years to pay back part or all of their debts.

Unfortunately, bankruptcy has several serious downsides, which make it the option of last resort for many consumers. First, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 seriously damage the filer’s credit rating, which can make obtaining loans, renting an apartment, and even finding a job more difficult.

Recommendation

The Citibank Sears MasterCard offer is a good one if you do not mind the five-year term length, and is far superior to any offer you will find at a CCCS. Before you agree to enter the program, consider the pros and cons of debt settlement. Bills.com makes it easy for you to apply for this form of debt relief.

I hope this information helps you Find. Learn & Save.

Best,

Bill

Bills.com