“Dear Steve,
In August ’08 I lost my job and a month later found out I was pregnant. I was in search of a job immediately after losing my job but still used my card for a few things.
I have a $9400 american express deb from over the years. That was one card that overwhelmed me due to affording what i could pay but negating that payment by finance charges. My account went for a few months of me not paying because I didn’t have the funds for the minimum amount.
Hindsight I should have sent something. I recently have tried to get myself back on track with them and made a few payments to get my overdue range down. On a payment they asked me to promise the next payment by a certain time and I fulfilled that.
Before I could make the following payment to them I received a call stating that my account has been cancelled and turned over to a collection agency. Nationwide Credit who has contacted me and been rude while I have been trying to understand and work with them has yet to send me any notification in the mail.
They called me yesterday and I told them that I was waiting to see something in writing from them and the the guy was pretty rude again and I told him I am more than nine months pregnant at this point and did not need his added stress and will wait for information in the mail and to quit contacting me at this point.
I would love to get the ball rolling and figure out a way to get back under control. I have been trying to do some research. I didn’t know if there was a reputable debt consolidation place to work with or if that was even a route to take. Is there anyway I could get my account re-opened with american express and get under a cre plan they had offered but then closed out my account. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks for your time.,
Amanda”
Dear Amanda,
Of all the creditors American Express offers the least amount of flexibility. It is disturbing.
You can always call American Express customer assistance and explain what you are looking to achieve. Don’t be surprised if they just route you back to Nationwide Credit.
You really have five basic options here.
- You can pay what the debt collector wants.
- You can attempt to negotiate a more suitable solution.
- You can do nothing and wait to get sued by AMEX.
- A debt management plan really isn’t an option since American Express does not like credit counseling plans. But, you could always contact a debt management company and ask if American Express is easier to work with these days.
- You can go bankrupt and discharge the debt. Contact a local bankruptcy attorney and ask for a free bankruptcy consultation.
Of those options I think the most likely path to follow would be in this order.
- You can attempt to negotiate a more suitable solution.
- A debt management plan really isn’t an option since American Express does not like credit counseling plans. But, you could always contact a debt management company and ask if American Express is easier to work with these days.
- You can go bankrupt and discharge the debt. Contact a local bankruptcy attorney and ask for a free bankruptcy consultation.
I certainly understand the situation you are in and your appeal for consideration and compassion seems logical but I am afraid that many collectors and creditors behave more like this police officer in the video below that prevented this man from seeing his dying mother-in-law while he tried to give the guy a ticket. By the way, she did pass away before the cop finished.
If you can’t see the video above, click this link.
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