How To Start Negotiations With Capital One?
Date: Tue, 11/23/2010 - 12:26
I've been doing research while saving up money to tackle my personal debt. I've finally saved up enough $$$ to approach my creditors. Capital One is my biggest bill and I want to start with them first-- before they sue me. Here's the scoop:
My account was charged-off about 6 months ago.
The current balance being shown on my credit report and in the last bill I received is about $3200.
The original amount I owed was $1500.
I haven't made a payment in 2 years.
I live in Utah.
My budget would allow me to pay a maximum of $2500 but I am hoping to settle for $2000 to address my other bills more quickly.
I'm nervous about exactly what I say to them when I call? Do I tell the person that answers that I'm looking to make a deal and hear what they offer me first? Or do I make the first offer? I am assuming I should offer much lower than my max to start? Is it a must for me to record the conversation or will good notes suffice? And when do I bring my credit rating into the negotiation? Thank you for any help. From what I've read, Cap One is quite the beast and I don't want to back myself into a corner.
Yes, they are tough. But your expectations are reasonable and i
Yes, they are tough. But your expectations are reasonable and it is already charged off. First, find out who is collecting for them by calling Capit Alone and asking. You might also find this on your credit report. Then call them and offer...say...50% and go from there. Good Luck.
You should call them and tell them about your financial hardship
You should call them and tell them about your financial hardship. State that you are in a position where you can only try to settle the debt. Start from 30% of the total debt amount. If one rep declines your offer, then try another time and talk to another rep. Try to speak to someone in the supervisory level who can take these decisions.
Don't fluctuate too much from your offer. If you negotiate wisely, then you might settle with them within 35-40% of the debt amount. And remember, take the settlement agreement in writing.
I settled 2 of my accounts with Capital One at 45% and 60% resp
I settled 2 of my accounts with Capital One at 45% and 60% respectively. They are a tough negotiator but you will have to hold your ground. Best of luck.
Thank you for the responses. They are truly helpful. Everything
Thank you for the responses. They are truly helpful. Everything I've read says that Capital One won't put anything in writing. Has anyone successfully gotten them to put the agreement in writing?
CapOne settles debt in the normal course of business. They do re
CapOne settles debt in the normal course of business. They do regularly provide settlement documentation. Depending on the stage of delinquency and account disposition, they may request payment arrangements be set up in their system prior to sending a settlement letter. Set the payment date up far enough in the future to provide your receipt of the settlement letter prior to funding. If within 48-72 hours of funding day you do not have the letter, follow up and demand it be faxed to you or you will not place sufficient funds in the account for the offer and will instruct you bank not honor any transaction.
Having said all that, after 2 years you will be likely dealing with a debt collector and possibly a debt purchaser. Same principle applies: No letter means not a valid settlement means no sincerity in actually settling.
Yes, CapOne is OneCrap to settle with, but it is doable.
Best of Success!
Mileage May Vary