Does debt settlement hurt my chances of obtaining new credit?

Debt settlement can significantly hurt your chances of obtaining new credit. When you enter into a debt settlement agreement, you are making a deal with a creditor to pay off your debt for less than you originally owe. While this can bring immediate relief, it can damage your credit score. This is because settling a debt causes creditors to report the discrepancy to the credit bureaus. This creates a negative mark on your record that will remain there for seven years. Additionally, debt settlement can make it more difficult for you to obtain new credit. Lenders are wary of taking on a borrower who has a history of not paying their debts. The scars that debt settlement leaves behind can make it difficult to be approved for a loan, as lenders are likely to look at debt settlement as a sign of someone not being responsible with their finances. The good news is that debt settlement is not completely irreversible. After making a series of on-time payments, you can begin to rebuild your credit score. As you do so, you will be able to demonstrate that you are capable of managing debt responsibly, potentially improving your chances of being approved for new credit. It is important to remember that debt settlement is not a long-term solution to managing debt, and it can have serious implications for your future credit opportunities.

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