subject: Negotiate Your Credit Card Debt [print this page] Negotiate Your Credit Card Debt Negotiate Your Credit Card Debt
Credit cards are not only convenient, but also necessary in today's world. Without credit cards, it is nearly impossible to build credit. Since credit is necessary to acquire a house loan or a car loan, it is wise to have a few credit cards. As long as the credit card balances are paid each month within 3o days, holding the card will build your credit score. If it is not paid back on time each month, it will decrease your credit score.
Unfortunately, because of the ease of getting and using credit cards, many find themselves overwhelmed with credit card debt. Each time a credit card payment due date is missed; a penalty is added to the balance. If left to continue the balance will grow and grow.
If you are in this situation, it is time to do something about it! The first and most important step is to quit using the card. Cut it up if you must, but stop using it! The next step is to figure out how to begin to pay it back. This step should begin with a close examination of how you are spending your money each month. Creating a budget will help in making sure you only spend so much and on certain things. Often, with a budget in place, you will find additional money to pay down the credit card balances.
If you have done this and have even have consolidated your debts but you are still unable to make the payments, then it is time to call the credit card companies. So you are wondering how to negotiate with credit card companies? Call and explain your situation. Many times they will be willing to reduce the interest rate or allow you to make a smaller minimum payment. If you don't call and try to work some mutual arrangement and you keep missing the monthly payments, not only will your debt continue to grow larger, but the credit card companies will begin to call you on a regular basis. If ignored, they will become relentless in trying to collect debt, calling daily and on weekends if nonpayment continues.
Often by communicating with the card companies, something can be worked out to ease some of the burden and help you to find the money to begin to pay back the debt. It does however require patience, persistence, and will power to stick to the plan.
