
If you're struggling with American Express debt, there are options available to help you get back on track. You can apply for a debt forgiveness program, which can wipe out up to 90% of your debt.
American Express has a few different debt forgiveness options, including their debt forgiveness program and their hardship program. These programs can provide temporary relief from debt payments.
Debt forgiveness programs can be a lifesaver for those who are struggling to make ends meet. By reducing your debt, you'll have more money in your budget to cover essential expenses.
To be eligible for debt forgiveness, you'll typically need to demonstrate financial hardship or a significant change in circumstances. This can include job loss, medical emergencies, or other unexpected events that affect your income.
Recommended read: Private Student Loan Debt Forgiveness
Debt Solutions
American Express debt forgiveness is a viable option for businesses facing overwhelming credit card debt. You can settle American Express Plum credit card debt and save a significant amount of money, like our client who saved $342,038.
A debt settlement is a negotiation between the borrower and the lender to pay back a reduced amount of the total debt owed. Lenders prefer this option over bankruptcy, as they'd rather receive some of the debt than nothing.
Major credit card issuers like American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, and U.S. Bank offer credit card hardship programs that can help you manage debt. These programs may include waived fees and lower interest rates over a specific time frame.
To find a credit card hardship program, you can check with your credit card issuer directly. Some issuers, like American Express and Capital One, have confirmed that they offer such programs.
A debt restructuring plan can benefit both you and your bank if done correctly. It's essential to create a plan that aligns with your business goals and plans.
Here are some strategies to reduce debt and improve credit score as a business owner:
- Adjust your debt reduction strategies in the face of unexpected financial setbacks.
- Use effective strategies to reduce debt without compromising quality of service or product.
- Restructure debt to alleviate cash flow pressures.
- Align your debt covenants with your business goals and plans.
Eligibility and Process
Credit card hardship programs are available at major issuers, including American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, and U.S. Bank, among others.
To be eligible for a hardship program, you'll need to have a legitimate reason for requesting assistance, such as a natural disaster or another disruptive life event.
The process of applying for a hardship program typically involves calling the number on the back of your card to speak with a representative.
Eligibility for Hardship Programs
Eligibility for hardship programs is determined on a case-by-case basis, with each bank considering the specific circumstances of the individual's hardship. Circumstances that may qualify for a hardship program include a pay cut, unemployment, a serious illness, a family emergency, divorce, and a natural disaster.
The Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act requires lenders to cap interest rates on debts incurred before active-duty service, but this law doesn't apply to everyone. Jason Zook, co-founder of Wandering Aimfully, qualified for a hardship program after his business failed, leaving him with $80,000 in credit card debt.
American Express and other major issuers, such as Bank of America, Capital One, and U.S. Bank, offer credit card hardship programs. Each bank may have different terms and conditions for their programs.
The following are examples of hardships that might qualify for a hardship program:
- A pay cut.
- Unemployment.
- A serious illness.
- A family emergency.
- Divorce.
- A natural disaster.
Call Your Issuer
Calling your issuer is a crucial step in navigating a hardship situation. This is because they may not offer a hardship program at all, but the only way to know for sure is to ask the representative.
Be prepared to spend time being transferred or placed on hold, but remain polite and respectful. You're asking the bank for a favor, after all.
Explain your situation and needs clearly and honestly, based on your new budget. This will help the issuer understand your situation and potentially work with you on a payment plan.
If you have a long history of making on-time payments, the issuer may be more willing to work with you. This is because a good payment history can speak volumes about your responsibility and commitment to fulfilling your payment obligation.
Expand your knowledge: How Does Student Debt Forgiveness Work
Master Your Budget
Get a grasp on your new budget by building one based on your lower monthly income versus your expenses and bills. This will help you determine what you can afford to pay your credit card issuer.
The average rate for accounts that incurred interest in 2018 was 16.04%, so knowing your APR on your credit card statement is crucial. This number will be a key factor in your negotiation with the issuer.
Interest is a factor in your monthly credit card bills, so it's essential to understand how much you're paying in interest. Your revamped budget can help you better explain your circumstances to the lender.
If your issuer offers a hardship program, your updated budget will be a prerequisite for enrolling in a plan.
Potential Issues
If you're considering American Express debt forgiveness, you might encounter some hurdles. Proving your hardship is a common requirement, which may involve documentation.
Meeting with a credit counselor or completing a debt management program is another potential step. This can be a requirement, depending on the issuer.
You may need to sign an agreement to participate in a hardship program. This is a standard practice in the industry.
A hardship program can also lead to actions on your credit card account, such as freezing your credit card account.
Your credit card issuer may close your credit card account or lower your credit limit as part of the hardship program. This can negatively impact your credit scores.
A closed account or a lower credit limit can affect your credit utilization and length of credit history. However, this shouldn't deter you from using a hardship program if you need one.
The impact on your credit won't be as severe as defaulting on your bills.
On a similar theme: American Express Platinum Card Minimum Credit Limit
Sources
- https://alleviatefinancial.com/debt-settlement/can-i-settle-my-debt-with-american-express/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/will-credit-card-debt-forgiveness-cover-my-20000-debt/
- https://www.donaldsonwilliams.com/zwicker-and-associates
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/settling-american-express-plum-card-debt-daniel-gamez
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/what-is-a-credit-card-hardship-program
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