Which do you think would show a better fico score increase...PTD a 3 yr old medical collection ($400) or be added on as an AU to a family member's credit card that has a 6 yr old tradeline ...no late's and less then 20% utilization? Which would you do?
We would have to learn more about what is currently on your credit report to answer your question. What is the credit limit of the AU account? Do you have any credit cards that you are actively using? If so, what are the balances, credit limits, and payment history? Do you have any other negative items on your credit report, such as collections, charge offs, BK's, liens. Thanks! Heather with BoostMyScore.NET
I would do both! Adding yourself as an AU is free and easy to do. Negotiating a PFD on the medical debt will be more difficult and will probably take more time to accomplish, but it can only help your FICO scores if you're successful. Why limit yourself to just one method?
Pepper, How did you approach you PTD letter? And what pecentage did you settle on? Also how quick was the response?
I actually just called and asked if they did PFD before giving out any info on the account and to my surprise they said YES but only with a full payment amount but i took the offer since it was only a 400 collection bill. They faxed me a signed agreement stating that once paid in full that the account (listed on their faxed document) would be immediatley deleted from all 3 credit bureaus. They lived up to their agreement because the account was deleted the very next day!!
