Q: Can I pay a debt collector $50 monthly without auto-withdrawal?
I owe $3,800 to a debt collector after my Credit One account was sold. They've offered a payment plan requiring automatic bank withdrawals, starting at $50 per month for six months and then increasing to $120. I want to pay $50 monthly without bank authorization, but they said it wouldn't count as an arrangement. What are my chances of being sued if I don't agree to their terms, and can I fulfill my promise by calling in payments?
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A:
It seems like the debt collector is insisting on automatic withdrawals for the payment plan, but you can still explore other options to handle this situation. If you want to make manual payments without auto-withdrawal, you can try negotiating with the debt collector to find a payment arrangement that works for both parties. While they may prefer automatic payments, you can still make payments by phone, mail, or online if they allow it, but it might not be considered an official arrangement unless you get it in writing.
As for the risk of being sued, if you don’t agree to their terms, they may choose to take legal action, but it’s not guaranteed. If you keep paying at least $50 per month (or any amount you can afford), and it’s consistent, it could show good faith in paying down the debt. The key is communication—make sure to explain your reasons for not agreeing to the auto-withdrawal and make regular payments to avoid further complications.
If you’re worried about legal consequences, you can consult with a consumer protection attorney to understand your rights and the best steps to avoid a lawsuit. If the collector won’t work with you, they could choose to take you to court, but paying consistently could help reduce that risk.
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