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What will a debt collector do if I can’t pay old credit card debt?

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Consumer Credit Debt Payment Now Due
If you’re behind on your credit card payments, debt collectors can use a few different strategies to try and collect what you owe.

Philip S. Cardamone/Getty Images


It only takes one serious financial setback — whether it’s a layoff, a medical issue or an unexpected major expense — to suddenly find yourself behind on bills. After all, life can throw curveballs that make it difficult to keep up with your expenses, even if you’ve been responsible with your money. In these situations, many people will prioritize their essential expenses, like mortgage or rent payments, over other financial obligations, such as their credit card bills, for understandable reasons. After all, paying for shelter and basic needs comes before handling high-interest debt.

Unfortunately, while this approach might work initially, delinquent credit card debt can become a major financial strain over time. Late fees, penalty APRs and accumulated interest can make the debt snowball, and if you’re unable to catch up on missed credit card payments over the long term, there’s a good chance your debt will eventually be sold to a third-party debt collector. This often marks the start of a new, more challenging phase in dealing with the debt, as debt collectors have a different set of tools and motivations when it comes to recouping what you owe.

So, what exactly can a debt collector do if you can’t pay your old credit card debt? Understanding what’s permissible can help you prepare for the steps debt collectors might take if you’re struggling to pay off your old credit card debt.

Take steps to get rid of your old credit card debt today.

What will a debt collector do if I can’t pay old credit card debt?

If your old credit card debt has been sold to a debt collector, the collection agency’s first approach is often to make contact and discuss payment options. This process usually begins with letters and phone calls that urge you to settle the debt in some way, whether through partial payments or a lump-sum arrangement. 

While these contacts may feel persistent, debt collectors are required by law to follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which protects consumers from harassment, excessive calls and abusive language. If a debt collector crosses these boundaries, you have the right to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

If the initial outreach doesn’t result in payment, the debt collector may try to negotiate even further on the settlement amount. Because they typically acquire the debt for a fraction of its original value, many debt collectors are willing to accept a lower payment than they initially offered, which can work in your favor. In these cases, they may even suggest a payment plan that breaks the debt into smaller, manageable installments.

However, if you are still unable to make payments or come to an agreement at that point, the debt collector might take more serious steps. This can include filing a lawsuit to collect on the debt. If they decide to pursue legal action, you would be served with a court summons, requiring you to appear and respond. 

If you ignore the lawsuit, a default judgment could be entered against you in the debt collector’s favor, allowing the debt collector to pursue wage garnishment, liens on your property or even bank account levies. That’s why it’s important to respond to any court summons you receive, as failure to do so can lead to outcomes that are harder to reverse.

Find out what your debt relief options are here.

What other options do I have?

If you’re unable to pay off your old credit card debt, it’s important to know that there are options beyond simply hoping the debt will disappear. Here are some common debt relief strategies that could help you regain control of your finances:

  • Debt forgiveness (or debt settlement): With debt forgiveness, you negotiate with creditors or collectors to pay less than the total amount you owe. This is typically done through a debt relief company, but you can also try negotiating on your own. 
  • Debt management: Offered through credit counseling agencies, debt management plans involve working with creditors to lower interest rates and waive fees, making the debt more manageable. This plan usually lasts three to five years and can provide structure for paying off debt.
  • Debt consolidation: If you have a decent credit score, you may qualify for a debt consolidation loan, which rolls multiple debts into a single loan with a fixed interest rate. This can simplify payments and potentially reduce interest costs. 
  • Bankruptcy: For those in severe financial distress, bankruptcy may be an option. Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges most unsecured debts, including credit card balances. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, on the other hand, allows you to repay your debts over a three- to five-year period under a court-approved plan.

The bottom line

Falling behind on credit card payments can feel overwhelming, especially when a debt collector gets involved. However, understanding your rights and the steps a debt collector can take can help alleviate some of the stress. While debt collectors have various methods for recovering funds, they are limited by laws designed to protect consumers from harassment and unfair practices. If you’re struggling with debt, you should also explore your debt relief options. Each comes with its own pros and cons, but taking action can help you regain control and move closer to financial stability. 



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Here Comes the Sun: Jack Antonoff and more

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Here Comes the Sun: Jack Antonoff and more – CBS News


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Record producer and singer Jack Antonoff sits down with Tracy Smith to discuss his band Bleachers, working with Taylor Swift, and producing the music for Broadway’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Then, Luke Burbank learns about the Aluminaire House, which can now be viewed at the Palm Springs Art Museum. “Here Comes the Sun” is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on “CBS Sunday Morning.”

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Capturing Moriah Wilson’s Killer – CBS News

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Capturing Moriah Wilson’s Killer – CBS News


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A promising young athlete is murdered. Her suspected killer disappears and an international manhunt by U.S. Marshals begins. “48 Hours” contributor Jonathan Vigliotti reports.

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How to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears NFL game today: Livestream options, more

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Minnesota Vikings v Tennessee Titans
Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings scrambles in the second quarter of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Chicago Bears today. The Vikings are currently 8-2, an impressive run so far this season, and will be looking to add a fourth win to their current streak after last Sunday’s 23-13 win against the Tennessee Titans. The Bears, on the other hand, are entering this game on the heels of a four-game losing streak after a tough 20-19 loss against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. 

Here’s how and when you can watch the Vikings vs. Bears game today, whether or not you have cable.


How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

The Vikings vs. Bears game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.


How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears game without cable

You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.

Fubo offers you an easy, user-friendly way to watch NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, plus NCAA football channels. The Pro tier includes 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, while the Elite with Sports Plus tier adds NFL RedZone and 4K resolution. New subscribers get a seven-day free trial and all plans allow streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously.


You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.


Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.


Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.



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