When to Use Debt-Settlement Companies for Credit Cards

Jan. 25, 2001— -- I answer a question this week that I am asked often: whether debt settlement is a wise move.

Credit card debt is by far the No. 1 topic people write to me about, so I think it is worth answering this one often.

Q: Will it ruin your life if you have a credit card, debt-relief company help in reducing your debt? You see, I have had multiple knee surgeries over the past 5 years and we used our cards to survive while I was off work. We are drowning. Please, I would love some advice on what to do. -- K, Minnesota

A: Going this route won't ruin your life but it probably will ruin your credit. I'm pretty sure you are talking about debt-settlement companies that advertise they can settle your debts for a fraction of what you actually owe.

When you negotiate with your creditors to pay a lower amount than you owe, there is an immediate and marked impact on your credit rating. The creditors "charge off" the amounts they forgive, which means they report those amounts to the credit bureaus as an unpaid debt, a loss.

That will be a black mark on your credit report for seven long years. So if you have a decent credit score now, debt settlement is a risky move. On the other hand, if your score has already taken a beating, debt settlement is one option.

But you don't necessarily have to hire help to do it. Many consumers succeed in settling their debts themselves rather than contracting with a company to do it for them.

Here's why that is worth considering. Companies that help people negotiate debt settlements often charge high fees. In other words, money that could be going toward your debts is going to them instead.

Fortunately, one industry problem has been addressed: namely, companies charging those high fees up front and then failing to really help their clients. The Federal Trade Commission approved new rules last year that banish up-front fees.

The hope is that the bad actors in the industry go out of business, leaving debt settlement companies that really care about their clients and actually know how to settle debts for them.