*Article contributed by Sarah Williams.
Credit card settlement has become popular among people who want to get out of debt. However, the success of a debt settlement is always determined by the kind of company that one hires. In that case, it is vital to note that choosing a particular organization will require thorough research and careful consideration.
Before you opt for a particular credit card settlement company, consider various factors if you want a sound settlement experience. Things to consider will include the following.
Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Credit Card Settlement Company
Fee
Before you choose a specific company, find out the amount they charge for their services. Otherwise, you may end up being locked in a contract that you cannot afford to pay.
Keep off companies that ask for an upfront fee. A good company will not charge you before the work begins. Instead, they collect their payment monthly, step by step, or until your account is settled.
A company that charges you by a percentage of the money you save rather than what you owe is more recommendable. Well, why not choose that organization that makes more funds by saving you money?
Repayment Plan
If you want to identify the kind of plan that is highly likely to fail, check for the repayment period. A program that takes longer than 48 months has less than 50% chances of succeeding. So, a splendid credit card settlement plan should take an average of 24-48 months to be completed.
To be on the safe side, avoid signing a credit card settlement plan of more than four years. That will assist you in getting out of debt cheaper than when in an extended program. As usual, interest continues to grow until the settlement is done.
Referrals and Reviews
Any legitimate and trustworthy company will not hesitate to give you the contacts of people they have served before. It is wise to ask for two or three references of clients who have completed the program.
Once you get this, check if the customers were satisfied with the services they received. That will also be an excellent way to gain insight into the credit card settlement process.
Some companies do not give out the names of their customers. The reason being, it is confidential. Well, that may sound professional, but if a company is doing a great job, their clients will not mind being used as references.
Another way to find out more about the company you are about to hire is through online reviews. In this case, Google is more recommendable. Here, you can even get additional information on what the company is about. The reviews are independent and will shed more light on what you are about to put yourself into.
Availability of Customer Service and Direct Communication
Any reputable company will have ready, willing, and able customer service representatives who can answer questions appropriately. Whether it is a credit card settlement process or fee charges, they have to be clear about all this.
Stay away from companies that give unclear and vague answers. The fact that it takes between two to four years to settle a debt, it is crucial to find a company that is supportive and easy to get in touch with. That will make the entire process less stressful and more comfortable.
It is possible to get a debt settlement company if you follow the above-outlined tips.
*Article contributed by Sarah Williams.