Can you get rid of credit card debt without paying?

Asked by: Verla Wisozk DDS  |  Last update: July 27, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (30 votes)

Though it's not recommended, you can stop paying your credit card bill and wait for the issuing company to eventually “charge off” your account. A charge-off is when a creditor effectively gives up on trying to collect the funds you owe them and instead writes off this debt as a loss.

How can I legally get rid of my credit card debt?

How to Wipe Out Credit Card Debt
  1. Debt Settlement. Debt settlement is a process that involves negotiating with creditors to pay less than the full amount you owe. ...
  2. Debt Management Plan (DMP) A debt management plan (DMP) is a special payment plan you can enroll in through a nonprofit credit counseling agency. ...
  3. Bankruptcy.

Can my credit card debt be forgiven?

Most credit card companies won't provide forgiveness for all of your credit card debt. But they will occasionally accept a smaller amount to settle the balance due and forgive the rest. Or the credit card company might write off your debt. But this step doesn't eliminate the debt—it's often sold to a collector.

How can I pay off my credit card debt with no money?

These options could help you tackle what you owe without an additional loan:
  1. Transfer your balance to a new card with a promotional rate.
  2. Try to negotiate with your creditors.
  3. Enroll in a debt management plan.
  4. Take advantage of credit card hardship programs.
  5. Use a debt settlement program.

What percentage will a credit card company settle for?

What Is A Good Settlement Offer For A Credit Card? A fair settlement offer typically falls between 30% and 50% of the total amount owed. However, it's imperative to note that this can vary based on several factors, including how delinquent the account is.

What Happens If You Never Pay Your Credit Card? (Explained)

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Is it better to settle collections or pay in full?

It's better to pay off a debt in full than settle when possible. This will look better on your credit report and potentially help your score recover faster. Debt settlement is still a good option if you can't fully pay off your past-due debt.

Does the US government have a debt relief program?

When it comes to credit card debt relief, it's important to dispel a common misconception: There are no government-sponsored programs specifically designed to eliminate credit card debt. So, you should be wary of any offers claiming to represent such government initiatives, as they may be misleading or fraudulent.

Is it illegal to not pay credit card debt?

Failing to pay your credit card debt is not a crime. While not a crime, it does have serious consequences, like we mentioned above. After the lawsuit judgment, it is entirely possible that you will have a very difficult time obtaining loans, credit cards, and even employment.

Are there government grants to pay off debt?

Keep in mind that the government doesn't offer grants to help Americans pay off consumer debt from things like credit cards. It does, however, offer financial support for Americans struggling with a range of tough financial situations.

How to pay $60,000 in debt off?

9 strategies for paying off credit card debt
  1. Trim expenses. Cutting down on your monthly expenses is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to save more or pay off debt. ...
  2. Boost income. ...
  3. Avoid spending creep. ...
  4. Automate payments. ...
  5. Make extra payments. ...
  6. Use the avalanche method. ...
  7. Use the snowball method. ...
  8. Credit counseling.

How do I legally discharge my credit card debt?

Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy can discharge or restructure your credit card debt, regardless of the statute of limitations. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most credit card debt is eliminated, freeing you from the obligation to repay.

What debts Cannot be forgiven?

Key Takeaways. Types of debt that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy include alimony, child support, and certain unpaid taxes. Other types of debt that cannot be alleviated in bankruptcy include debts for willful and malicious injury to another person or property.

How to ask for debt forgiveness?

The borrower can apply for debt forgiveness on compassionate grounds by writing about the financial difficulties and requesting the creditor to cancel the debt amount.

What is the loophole of credit card debt?

The "credit card debt loophole" refers to certain strategies people use to minimize or eliminate credit card debt. Common methods that fall under this umbrella include: Transferring debt to cards with low or 0% interest rates for a promotional period.

How to get debt wiped off?

Some creditors may agree if:
  1. They understand you will not be able to pay.
  2. They see you have no assets to sell.
  3. You show it is not worthwhile or fair for them to keep collecting the debt.

What is a credit card hardship program?

A credit card hardship program is a financial arrangement that allows those facing such situations to negotiate more manageable payments on outstanding credit card debt. The specifics of a hardship program depend on your credit card issuer and your financial position.

What is the Debt Forgiveness Act?

Updated September 5, 2019 — The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence. Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure, qualify for this relief.

How to get a hardship grant?

The federal government doesn't give hardship grants to individuals. Instead, grants of this nature go to state and local governments, colleges and universities, law enforcement agencies, research labs, nonprofit organizations and businesses.

Can a person go to jail for not paying credit card debt?

Unpaid credit cards fall into the “civil debt” category and are not punishable by jail time. However, criminal offenses related to financial affairs, like tax evasion, could land you in jail. It's important to know that ignoring judgments against you could result in serious legal consequences, including jail time.

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear?

Most negative items should automatically fall off your credit reports seven years from the date of your first missed payment, at which point your credit score may start rising. But if you are otherwise using credit responsibly, your score may rebound to its starting point within three months to six years.

Is there forgiveness for credit card debt?

Debt forgiveness is when a company cancels some of or all a borrower's outstanding balance and the borrower no longer owes that debt amount. Credit card debt forgiveness is uncommon, but other solutions exist for managing debt.

How can I get my credit card debt written off?

Generally, writing off some or all of your credit card debt is done through a debt solution. There are multiple debt solutions that can allow you to write credit card debt off, including: Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) Debt Relief Order (DRO)

What is the federal debt forgiveness program?

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you've made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full time for a qualifying employer.

What is the Freedom Debt Relief Program?

Freedom Debt Relief is a debt settlement company that negotiates on behalf of consumers to lower how much debt they owe to their creditors. Consumers who complete Freedom Debt Relief's debt settlement program reduce their enrolled debt by an average of 20% to 25% after fees, according to the company.