How do Debt Stlmt Co's spread your debt repayment over 3 years?

I am trying to do debt settlement on my own. I am at the charge off point with BOA cc, Capital One cc, and Chase cc. I don't have the money for settlement yet, but will over the next 2 years. How can I get them to keep my account so I can settle with them later? I know that debt settlement companies tell clients that they can put money into an account over 3 to 4 years max and settle the accounts as you collect the money. How can I get the cc companies to do the same for me since I am not with a settlement company? Please help, I don't want my debt to go to a bunch of aggressive collection agencies.

From what I understand u can negotiate directly with BofA

Honestly you want to settle with B of A before it charges off if you can. Borrow what ever you can to do so. You will get the best settlement with BofA before charge off. possibly 20-30 % after that it will go up.

Yes, Bank of America is eager to settle right now, and offering some great deals. Try them first!

Is a 3yr debt settlement plan even realistic?

Yes, most settlement programs with debt settlement companies are for 36 months. I was told when I started mine that they did away with the 48 month programs because most creditors did not want to wait that long. You can do it for less, say, 18 or 24 months also. 36 is about as long as you can get away with. Even then, it's possible to have impatient creditors that cause problems. But this happens when you settle on your own, also. Juggling the creditors with the available money and the negotiations for the lowest settlement possible is all part of the process.