Credit Card Debt Settlement Companies

Get Professional Help for Credit Card Debt

Finding the right credit card debt relief company can be frustrating. After all, there are different options available, and how do you know which one is right for you? How can you find a credit card debt relief company when you are not sure of what needs to be fixed?

When looking for credit card debt relief companies, the first solution that comes to mind is debt settlement. If you have credit card debt over $10,000, bad credit, and are struggling to make payments, then debt settlement is a good alternative.

Before you get professional help, follow these steps, and find yourself closer to being debt free:

1. Learn about the different debt relief options
2. Learn about Debt Settlement Companies
3. Read Reviews

Learn About the Different Debt Relief Options

When talking about credit card debt relief, there are different options available. The main factors in deciding which option to choose is your financial situation, mainly your asset position (do you have equity in your house) and your cash flow (do you have sufficient income to pay your bills and monthly expenses).

Here is a table with a brief outline showing the different credit card debt relief options and a customer’s financial profile:

Learn about Debt Settlement Companies

Debt Settlement is not a quick fix. If a company promises you immediate debt relief, or easy debt relief, then mark them off your list. A debt settlement company works with you in the following manner:

1. You receive a preliminary consultation to review your financial situation and determine if your credit card debt is appropriate for the program. This includes an analysis of your asset position and your ability to make monthly payments. Signing up for a program that you cannot finish does not help anyone. Remember, in the beginning your debt problems will increase, as you stop making payments to your creditors, and they intensify their collection efforts.
2. You receive a written contract outlining the services offered and the price charged. Make sure that the debt consultant explains to you any unclear points.
3. You open a special designated account, in your name and control. You make monthly deposits into the account.
4. The debt settlement company negotiates with your creditors a settlement.
5. Upon completion of a settlement, you transfer money to the creditor and pay a fee to the debt settlement company.

A good debt settlement will have these traits:

No Upfront Fees : Due to many unethical companies taking upfront fees, the FTC stepped in instituted new regulations in October 2010. The regulations ban telemarketing credit card debt relief companies, in the debt settlement industry, from taking upfront fees. These companies can take a fee only when they reach a settlement with a creditor. The fee should be applicable to that settlement only. The law has loopholes allowing for non-telemarketing companies, or companies that meet their clients face to face, to charge upfront fees. Avoid companies taking upfront fees and look for companies offering fair and ethical services.

Affiliation and Accreditation: The AFCC (American Fair Credit Council) is an industry trade organization. Their goal is to ensure that debt settlement companies treat their customers in a fair and ethical manner. All members must adhere to a strict code of conduct. They require that no affiliated companies, no matter how they provide their services, take upfront fee. The AFCC has a two-tier membership. There are currently 26 regular member and 15 accredited members. Accredited members are required to have an annual, rigorous onsite audit including customer service, negotiations and marketing departments.

Track Record: The next characteristic to look into is the credit card debt relief company’s track record. Longevity is not a guarantee of good service or ethical behavior. However, experience in a field as complex as debt settlement is a definite advantage. Creating contacts with creditors, understanding the underwriting procedures, and setting up an efficient customer relationship system are all intricate processes.

Debt Settlement Company Reviews

Looking for credit card debt relief company reviews is difficult. Many of the reviews are from very dissatisfied customers. Other “reviews” are from companies that are promoting certain debt settlement companies. Neither of those points makes reviews a tool to avoid. Read the reviews with a grain of salt. Learn what customers are complaining about, and make sure that the debt consultant addresses those issues with intelligent answers. By reading reviews, you will learn more about the process and the types of questions to ask.