Should you try to negotiate credit card debt relief on your own? 3 things to know first

CBS News

3 days ago

High-rate credit card debt has become a crushing reality for millions of Americans, who added a collective $27 billion to their credit card balances in the second quarter of 2025. The total amount of credit card debt is now sitting at a record-high of $1.21 trillion nationwide, while the average credit card rate is closing in on 22%. As a result, what may have once been manageable debt has become a big issue for many cardholders. And, as the cost of living continues to rise, those trapped in this cycle of debt may have an even harder time finding their way out.
When the weight of credit card debt becomes too heavy, the instinct is often to seek help from a debt relief company. These companies often claim they can help you slash your balances by 30% to 50% or more, and the appeal of that is understandable. After all, who wouldn't want someone else to deal with their debt issues while potentially saving thousands of dollars on what they owe?
However, there's another option that many people overlook: negotiating directly with your creditors instead. But while going the DIY route can be appealing, there are a few important factors that you'll want to fully understand before making your first call.
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Negotiating debt relief on your own has some clear benefits. You can avoid the fees that professional debt relief companies charge and you stay in direct control of the negotiations. You also eliminate the risk of working with a disreputable company, which is a concern in the debt relief space. Still, creditor negotiations can be complex and high-stakes, so you'll want to consider these factors first, which can make or break your efforts:
Debt negotiation involves repeated, often stressful conversations about your financial issues, and your creditors may not agree to your first offer, or your second, either. Successful negotiations can take multiple calls, letters and follow-ups, and you'll need to be ready with documentation that supports your financial hardship, such as proof of income loss, medical bills or other major expenses.
You'll also need to have a realistic settlement amount in mind. Creditors are more likely to agree if you can offer a lump-sum payment that's significantly higher than what they might recover through collections, but lower than your total balance. And if they counteroffer, you'll need to decide quickly whether to accept, reject or push for better terms. That can get tricky without help from the experts, but it may be possible to navigate if you do your research first.
Learn more about the benefits of working with a debt relief company now.
Successful debt negotiation requires understanding complex legal and financial concepts that most people haven't encountered before. You need to know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, understand when debts can be legally pursued and recognize valid settlement offers versus potentially harmful agreements. There are also critical timing considerations, like knowing when to negotiate and when certain debts might be approaching the statute of limitations.
That can make it tough to navigate on your own, which is why some borrowers opt to work with a debt relief specialist who understands these nuances and has established relationships with major creditors. These experts know which companies are more likely to settle, what offers are typically accepted and how to structure agreements to protect your interests. They can also identify red flags you might miss, such as agreements that don't properly close accounts.
A debt settlement can create ripple effects beyond the immediate savings. If $600 or more of your debt is forgiven, it may count as taxable income. Without proper planning, you could face an unexpected tax bill that eats into your savings. And depending on how your settlement is reported to the credit bureaus, it could also impact your ability to borrow in the future.
Those repercussions can be difficult to avoid, so for some borrowers, it's worth the extra costs to use a debt relief company during the process instead. Doing so can help you understand these downstream effects and how to best handle them. The right expert can also help you coordinate with a tax professional if needed, explain how a settlement will impact your credit and, in some cases, help you take steps to minimize the damage.
Negotiating credit card debt relief on your own can save you money on fees and give you more control over the process, but it's not without its challenges. You'll need to be prepared for potential credit score impacts, a lengthy and sometimes frustrating negotiation process and possible tax consequences down the road.
If you have the time, knowledge and persistence to make a strong case, though, DIY debt relief could be a viable option. But if you're unsure about handling the process or navigating the potential pitfalls, it may be worth at least consulting a reputable debt relief service to help you make the most informed decision.