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If you're struggling with Bank of America credit card debt, you're not alone. According to the article, over 3.6 million customers were affected by the bank's credit card settlement in 2018.
Bank of America offers various credit card settlement options, including debt management plans and credit counseling services. These services can help you reduce your monthly payments and interest rates.
To be eligible for a debt management plan, you'll need to have at least $1,000 in credit card debt with Bank of America. This plan can help you pay off your debt within 3-5 years.
Bank of America also offers a credit card settlement program that can reduce your debt by 50-70%. However, this program is only available to customers who have a good credit history and have made timely payments in the past.
Understanding Your Credit Card Settlement Options
You can settle a Bank of America credit card debt, even if you're already being sued. This is because Bank of America considers charge-offs as a cost of doing business and receives tax benefits for the written-off debt.
A debt settlement is a negotiation between you and Bank of America where you'll pay a reduced amount of the original debt in one lump sum or over an extended period of time. This can be a win-win for both parties, as Bank of America would rather negotiate a debt settlement than have you declare bankruptcy.
You can settle a debt lawsuit with Bank of America before your court date, but you'll need to follow specific steps to do so.
You can settle a Bank of America credit card debt on your own if you have small amounts of debt, but for real success, it's best to hire an attorney with a proven track record of negotiating debt. They can help you navigate the process and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Here are some key questions to ask an attorney before hiring them to settle your Bank of America credit card debt:
- Should you disclose your financials?
- Is the offer you receive the best you're going to get?
- What makes this a valid offer?
- Does it need to be in writing?
- Is the written offer valid and binding on all parties?
It's worth noting that debt settlement companies are not held to the same legal and ethical obligations as a debt relief attorney, and they may not be able to defend you in court if you're sued.
Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiating a settlement with Bank of America can be a complex process, but it's possible to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. You can negotiate a debt settlement even if you've already been sued for debt, as Bank of America considers "charge-offs" as a cost of doing business and receives tax benefits for the written off debt.
If you're sued and defending a Bank of America credit card lawsuit, a debt settlement could be a "win-win" for you and Bank of America. A debt settlement is a negotiation between the credit card borrower (you) and the credit card lender (Bank of America) that you will pay back a (usually greatly) reduced amount of the original debt that you owe in one lump sum or over an extended period of time in a payment plan.
To make an offer to kickstart the settlement negotiation process, calculate how much you can afford to pay off, and do some research to learn how much Bank of America might accept. Some debt settlement services claim that Bank of America is likely to settle for 30-40% of the debt amount. For your first offer, you should consider a fair amount—60% of the total value of the lawsuit might be a good place to start.
Here are some key points to consider when making an offer:
- Calculate how much you can afford to pay off
- Research how much Bank of America might accept
- Make an initial offer of 60% of the total value of the lawsuit
Once Bank of America agrees to a settlement, get the details of the agreement in writing. You'll want to ensure you abide by the settlement terms, including making your payment on time. Ask Bank of America to report your account to all credit reporting bureaus as settled or paid in full, if they are willing.
Some Customers Compensated
Some customers have already been compensated. Bank of America will be automatically refunding around $80.4 million in redress to people who were double-charged the $35 non-sufficient funds or overdraft fees since September 2018.
The CFPB said people who allegedly didn't get the credit card reward bonuses they were owed have been compensated, but the amount wasn't specified. This is a good example of how some customers are able to get a refund or compensation for their issues with Bank of America.
You can also get compensation if you're sued by Bank of America and settle the debt before your court date. This is possible, but you'll want to follow specific steps to do so, as listed in the previous section.
Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiating a settlement with Bank of America can be a complex process, but it's often possible to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. You can negotiate a settlement even if you've already been sued for debt, as seen in the case of a client who owed Bank of America $8,452.45 and was able to settle for $4,500.00.
To start the negotiation process, make an offer to the opposing attorney, which can be as simple as stating that you can pay a certain amount within a specific timeframe. For example, "I see you're suing me for [$500] for [case number]. I don't have that kind of money and I don't agree with the amount. But I do have [$250] that I can pay within 30 days to settle the debt in full. Let me know if you accept."
Research suggests that Bank of America may be willing to settle for 30-40% of the debt amount, but a good starting point for your first offer could be 60% of the total value of the lawsuit. The staff at Bank of America will review your offer and determine whether they accept or respond with a counteroffer of their own.
It's essential to have the settlement agreement in writing, as seen in the case of Joe, who used SoloSettle to send a settlement offer at 30% of the debt, or $3,000, and eventually reached a settlement of 60% of the debt, or $6,000. According to the debt settlement agreement, Joe must pay off the debt within 90 days.
Here's a step-by-step guide to negotiating a settlement with Bank of America:
1. Make an offer to the opposing attorney
2. Research the likely settlement amount
3. Get the settlement agreement in writing
Remember, negotiating a settlement can be a complex process, but with the right approach, you can reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Settling a Credit Card Lawsuit
Settling a credit card lawsuit with Bank of America is possible, even if you've already been sued. You can negotiate a settlement with Bank of America, and it's often a "win-win" for both parties. This is because Bank of America considers charge-offs as a cost of doing business and receives tax benefits for written off debt.
A debt settlement is a negotiation between you and Bank of America where you pay back a reduced amount of the original debt in one lump sum or over an extended period. Bank of America would rather negotiate a debt settlement than have you declare bankruptcy and receive nothing. In fact, our client owed Bank of America $8,452.45 and was able to negotiate a debt settlement of $4,500.00, payable over 7 months.
If you're sued by Bank of America, you can fight back and settle the debt at any stage of the lawsuit. To do so, you'll want to follow specific steps, such as disclosing your financials and determining if the offer you receive is the best you'll get.
Default Judgment Already Entered
You've received a default judgment against you, which means the court has made a decision without your input. This can be a stressful and overwhelming experience.
You may have viable legal options, such as filing a motion to vacate the judgment, starting a new trial, or negotiating a settlement with the creditor.
A motion to vacate the judgment could potentially reverse the default judgment, allowing you to have your say in the case. This is a complex process that requires the help of an experienced attorney.
You may be able to negotiate a settlement with the creditor, which could reduce the amount you owe or provide a payment plan. This is a good option if you're unable to pay the full amount.
Filing for bankruptcy is another alternative debt resolution option that can provide relief from overwhelming debt. This is a serious decision that should be made with the guidance of an attorney.
Does Do Settlement?
Does Bank of America Do Debt Settlement?
Bank of America is often open to settling debt to avoid litigation costs. In fact, credit card issuers like Bank of America are more likely to settle than go to court.
You can negotiate a settlement with Bank of America rather than challenging the lawsuit. An experienced debt defense lawyer can help determine whether negotiation is a better strategy than challenging the lawsuit.
Bank of America may be willing to settle for a lower amount than you owe, but you'll need to work with a lawyer to get a good deal. For example, one client of the Gamez Law Firm owed Bank of America $11,134.27, but was able to settle for just $3,000.00.
To settle a debt with Bank of America, you'll need to follow specific steps, which may include explaining your financial hardships and negotiating a settlement amount. You may also be able to negotiate a monthly payment plan to pay off the settlement amount.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when considering debt settlement with Bank of America:
- Bank of America may be willing to settle for a lower amount than you owe.
- You'll need to work with a lawyer to get a good deal.
- You may be able to negotiate a monthly payment plan to pay off the settlement amount.
Keep in mind that debt settlement can have tax implications, and you should consult with a tax professional before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask my bank for a credit card settlement?
To ask your bank for a credit card settlement, be honest and polite when explaining your situation and make a one-time settlement offer with a clear explanation of why it's fair. Be prepared to negotiate and consider the bank's counteroffer.
Sources
- https://gamezlawfirm.medium.com/how-to-settle-credit-card-debt-with-bank-of-america-9f1ec3d27d33
- https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/bank-of-america-fined-settlement-customers-accounts-credit-cards-fees/
- https://www.rpwb.com/consumer-protection/rpwb-investigating-bank-of-america-credit-card-practices/
- https://www.wmtxlaw.com/what-to-do-if-sued-in-texas-by-bank-of-america-for-credit-card-debt/
- https://www.solosuit.com/posts/settle-debt-bank-of-america
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