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PRA Settle

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Anonymous
Not applicable

PRA Settle

Good morning!
First, to everyone who is providing advice and suggestions on these boards, thank you! I have already learned so much!

And, I think I know the answer to my question already but want to be 100% sure before I call.

I have a collection with PRA. Currently in a payment plan (entered before I started researching :-/...to be paid off in 5 years)

Obviously, with my goal being to raise credit, this option was not my best. Currently, I am in a place to pay off the collection. Here is my question:

I know PRA is deleting the trade line. Since this deletion will happen, does it matter if I settle or pay in full? I think I understand that with manual underwriting, the “settled” comment may deter lenders (only thinking of refinancing home next year) but if PRA delete anyway, will this even matter?

Summary: If I settle with PRA will it have less of a positive result than paying in full, once tradeline is deleted?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!!
Message 1 of 10
9 REPLIES 9
gdale6
Moderator Emeritus

Re: PRA Settle

No it doesnt matter settled or PIF if they are deleting and a settle for less would only affect possibly a human underwriter looking at it and ask for an explanation but even that doesnt matter if the TL is gone and deleted. Welcome to the board.

Message 2 of 10
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: PRA Settle

Thank you! As I thought, but just wanted to double check!
Message 3 of 10
Red1Blue
Super Contributor

Re: PRA Settle


@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you! As I thought, but just wanted to double check!

Last week, I settled and paid off on 3 PRA accounts. Waiting for them to remove the collections from report. Hopefully in the next few days they should drop off from my reports.

Message 4 of 10
ThetoriParadox
Frequent Contributor

Re: PRA Settle

 I am in the same boat, in a payment plan with PRA but would way rather settle. Is there a way to get out of the current payment plan and renegotiate? Anyone had experience?

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Message 5 of 10
OmarGB9
Community Leader
Super Contributor

Re: PRA Settle


@ThetoriParadox wrote:

 I am in the same boat, in a payment plan with PRA but would way rather settle. Is there a way to get out of the current payment plan and renegotiate? Anyone had experience?


Yes, just call them and ask if you can settle the remaining balance. 


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Message 6 of 10
satio
Frequent Contributor

Re: PRA Settle

I see no reason not to always settle for less with PRA when given the opportunity to do so. And each time I have dealt with an account with them either from my own recovery as well as helping other family and friends they are always ready to settle and typically for 50 points on the dollar or sometimes even less.

 

They are a collection agency and their tradeline will be completely deleted whatever amout you pay.



Message 7 of 10
ThetoriParadox
Frequent Contributor

Re: PRA Settle

I agree Satio, but when I entered into my agreement I had no idea about settling with them, I just didn't want them to sell it. :/ Hindsight...

RE-BUILD 2.0
Venmo Card- Mission Lane-Cap1 Walmart- Amex Optima- Cap1 QS- Cap 1 QS1- NFCU Nrewards Secured- Williams Sonoma- Care Credit- Grain- scores hovering around 644-653
Message 8 of 10
satio
Frequent Contributor

Re: PRA Settle


@ThetoriParadox wrote:

I agree Satio, but when I entered into my agreement I had no idea about settling with them, I just didn't want them to sell it. :/ Hindsight...


At the end of the day unless the original charge off amount has been significantly increased with fees or interest, it is something we all actually owed in good faith. We learn as we go.

 

If you have the means to make a lump sum payment, can't hurt to call and ask if they will accept something less than the full remaining balance you are paying. 

 

My mother always said it never hurts to ask, worst someone can say is no. Though as I got older, I learned that sometimes that becomes hell no.

 



Message 9 of 10
collics
Established Contributor

Re: PRA Settle


@Red1Blue wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you! As I thought, but just wanted to double check!

Last week, I settled and paid off on 3 PRA accounts. Waiting for them to remove the collections from report. Hopefully in the next few days they should drop off from my reports.


I have 3 w/ them also. Curious to see how it affects your scores.

 

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Message 10 of 10
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