Ali Zane has been phenomenal in helping me to understand what would be the best strategy in handling my unique credit situation and has given me honest knowledge and expertise... read more
Mary P.7/12/2024
When initially calling on a Wednesday, I spoke with a gentleman named Juan Regarding closed/charged off accounts on my credit report. He was very professional, and walked me through... read more
Robert G.4/05/2024
Ali and his team are the best. Not only are they sweet and professional they really keep you updated throughout the process. They have helped me twice my entire life... read more
Judith Shenelle G.12/24/2023
I reached out to Ali Zane several months ago and he is the real deal. I am super satisfied with his expertise and he has earned my trust. Don't waste... read more
Tim A.10/08/2022
I've had the good fortune of being assisted by Ali in the past & would HIGHLY recommend him & his associates.
William V.7/22/2022
Ali is the best! He really takes his time explaining to you how you can fix your credit. A family member recommended him to me and he didn't disappoint. Building/fixing... read more
Denise K.1/21/2022
I was referred to IMAX credit by another credit repair firm in regards to removing late payments that were on my account. I scheduled a free consultation with Ali. Ali... read more
Jarred M.5/29/2021
Ali and Samantha are the best team! My credit score was stunned last year and I spent months working with the bank myself without a result. I was... read more
Rose Y.5/05/2021
Ali is amazing! Ali and Samantha were able to restore my FICO score to where the score should have been all along. I had one small ding due to an... read more
Dane B.3/31/2021
I moved and unintentionally missed my final utility bill. A few months later a late payment popped on my credit report. I consulted with Ali. He was... read more
Daniel K.3/04/2021
How to do a Pay for Delete for a Collection
Paid Collections vs. Pay for Delete
If you’ve recently attempted to settle collections on your credit report because you want to start the process of rebuilding your credit, you’ll be shocked to learn that paying off a collection may actually harm your score. A “paid collection” will remain on your credit report even after you’ve paid it off, suppressing your score.
Unless you’re a victim of identity theft or fraud, the only way to increase your credit score is to get the account deleted from the credit report in exchange for payment. Most collection companies may not readily agree to do this. This article contains the tools that will help you settle and delete collections in order to repair your credit rating.
5 Easy Methods for How to Do a Pay for Delete for a Collection:
A lot of people want to know the best methods on how to do this. The truth is, there are many different ways you can go about it. The first step is always contacting your creditor and asking them if they will accept payment in full or delete the account from your credit report.
Here are a few easy things you can say right away once you’re on the phone with your creditor:
- Ask for a “pay for delete.”
- Offer lower payment to your creditor.
- Negotiate with them and agree on a figure to settle on.
- If you can afford to pay your creditor in full, do so. It’s the best way to remove it from your credit report and score for good!
- If your creditor agrees to delete or settle your collection accounts, get the agreement in writing. If you have a few debts to settle, many creditors will accept payment for one account or another and then delete all other accounts from your credit report at no additional cost.
The Idea of a Pay for Delete for Collections
The idea behind a pay for delete is one that’s been around for a few years now. In order to make make the payments or settlements, you’ll have to work out a deal with the creditor who has the collection. When you’re trying to rebuild your credit, this is a really important thing to do. Once the account is deleted from your credit report, it will no longer be seen as “paid” and will no longer impact your credit score!
How to Negotiate a Lower Collection Amount
As you may be aware all major collection companies small or even big ones like ERC, Midland Credit, Portfolio Recovery will settle for much lower amounts. The rule of thumb is that the larger and older the collection the bigger discount you may get on the settlement.
It is not uncommon for Midland Credit to settle a $5,000 debt that is over 4 years old to be settled for $1,000, which is about 20% of the original amount. Likewise, a smaller debt of $300 that fell behind last month does not leave that much room for negotiation. As a general rule of thumb, for debts around $1,000, start with a 40% offer, for debts over $2,000 start with a 30% offer, and for debts over $4,000 start with a 20% offer.
What If a Collection Company Agrees to Delete, but Won’t Send Written Confirmation?
They’ve verbally agreed to delete the account, but they won’t provide you with a written agreement first. Here’s what you do:
Inform them that you will be sending them a check rather than cash. In the note area of your check, write, “cash only if you’ll get rid of the credit report,” fill in the letter below and send everything together overnight with a signature required.
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
AC#
To whom it may concern,
(CASH ATTACHED CHECK ONLY IF YOU WILL DELETE ACCOUNT FROM CREDIT REPORT)
As per my conversation with your customer service representative, I am following through on my pledge to settle this debt in exchange for its removal from my credit report. Hence, I am attaching a check for $_______________ to pay off the referenced account under the condition that the account will be removed in entirety from all the three credit bureaus.
If the implied conditions to delete are not acceptable, please return my check. In the event that you cash this check and do not remove the collection from my credit report, this will constitute a breach of contract. I will then have to refer this matter to the Attorney General’s office and proceed with filing suit.
Truly,
[your name]
What If a Collection Company Says They Will Not Delete?
Ask them when and to what address they sent the initial collection notices to and if they had any mail returned to them. If letters were not sent to your current address at the time, you can offer to send them proof of your address from that time if they’ll consider deleting the account. If they don’t agree, then elevate your request further by asking to speak to a supervisor.
The Final Step: Take Action to Repair Your Credit
Now if you’re overwhelmed by the suggestions above, or you’re finding a creditor hard to deal with, then it may be time to hire a professional.
6 Comments. Leave new
Hi Mr.Zane,
I just recieved a call from credit control company that my medical bill account sent to them and I ask them to paid in full and not to report to credit bureau they said even if I paid in full they will report to credit bureau what do I do as I don’t want amy things to affect my credit
Thank you
HI Rasha, if you payoff a medical collection the credit bureaus automatically remove the accounts. However this would not been the case if you had a collection that was stemming for a non-medical issue.
In your service of credit repair, do you send out the pay-for-delete letters, or is that for the client to do?
Hi Shawn, normally we take legal action to enforce pay for deletes. But first I always recommend clients to call the collection company to see if they’ll remove the account if you pay them. Mostly companies like Midland Credit, Portfolio Recovery , who are debt buyers, should delete if accounts are settled. Where we can come in is if they’re asking for too much money to settle and if you need help in brining the amounts down
I have a few accounts prohibiting me from getting a mortgage,the first is $0 in terms of a settled account over a two term,two year lease I was never late on. I settled and $0 balanced the negative collection account,but it’s their “company policy” not to delete,even if paid in full. I called the CFMB and filed a formal complaint on FCO from Baltimore,MD. They are an unethical organization that hooked up with Elon Property Management,the ultimate unethical company to scam renters that leave early with a surprise small print collections notice.
Hi Jeff, a single collection can really mess up your credit. Here’s what I’d suggest first, check with Fair Collection outsourcing (FCO) if they had your updated address. Some collection companies, if given proof that they didn’t mail the initial notice to your correct address may delete. If they’re not willing to remove then reach out to me by filling this contact form : https://www.imaxcredit.com/consultation/