How To Settle Debt With Bank Of America In 2025

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt—especially with a major lender like Bank of America—you’re not alone. High interest rates, missed payments, and the stress of creditor calls can make it feel like there’s no way out. But there is hope. Bank of America offers options to settle your debt for less than you owe, and understanding these options can be the first step toward relief. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to settle debt with Bank of America, what to expect during the process, and how working with a trusted debt relief provider like CuraDebt can make a real difference in your financial journey.

Understanding How Debt Settlement Works with Bank of America

Debt settlement is a process where you negotiate with a creditor to pay less than the full amount owed. With Bank of America, settlement is most commonly available once an account has become delinquent or has been charged off. Settling can help you resolve the debt for a reduced amount, giving you a fresh start and the opportunity to regain control of your finances.

Bank of America may handle delinquent accounts internally for a period before selling them to a third-party debt buyer or assigning them to a collection agency. Understanding where your account stands in this process is crucial before starting settlement negotiations.

Timeline: What Happens When You Fall Behind On Payments

Knowing what typically happens at each stage of delinquency can help you understand when you’re most likely to settle:

Days Late	What Happens	Who Handles It
0–29	Late fees applied, credit score may drop	Bank of America
30–89	Account is reported delinquent to credit bureaus	BofA Internal Collections
90+	Risk of charge-off; may be sent to third-party collectors	External Collectors
180+	Likely charged-off, possibly sold or assigned	Debt Buyer or Agency

At each stage, your options—and how much leverage you have in negotiations—can change.

How to Know Who Owns Your Bank of America Debt — And Why It Matters

When you fall behind on a credit card with Bank of America, the debt may be charged off after a period of nonpayment (typically around 180 days). But that doesn’t mean the debt disappears — it often changes hands. Sometimes Bank of America assigns it to a collection agency, and in other cases, it sells the debt to a third-party debt buyer. Knowing exactly who owns your debt now is a critical first step if you want to negotiate or settle.

Here’s how to find out:

Call Bank of America directly. Ask them if the account has been sold, and if so, to whom. Be polite and professional — you’re gathering information, not making a payment or a promise.

Check your credit reports. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Look for the name of the current debt holder under the account listings.

Research the company. If a new name appears, search online to confirm that the collector or debt buyer is a legitimate and registered business. Check for reviews and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings to avoid scams.

Watch for collection notices. If you’ve received mail or calls from a debt collector, they are required by law to provide written notice of the debt and your rights to dispute it. Keep all communication for your records.

Understanding who owns your debt is essential because you need to direct your settlement offer or communication to the correct party. Sending it to Bank of America when a debt buyer owns the account won’t get results. Once you identify the right entity, you can begin the process of resolving your debt confidently.

Is Settling a Charged-Off Bank of America Account the Right Move?

If you’ve fallen behind and the debt has been charged off, settling can be a powerful way to resolve the issue without paying the full balance. While everyone’s financial situation is different, here are a few positive outcomes that make debt settlement worth considering:

✅ Why Many People Choose to Settle:

You can pay less than the total balance owed. Settlements often reduce what you owe by 40% to 60% or more.

It ends the stress of collection calls and letters. Once settled, collectors are legally required to stop contacting you.

Improves your debt-to-income ratio. This can make future financial planning and budgeting much more manageable.

Provides a path forward. If full repayment isn’t realistic, settling can give you a clean slate and renewed peace of mind.

Every situation is different, but many people choose settlement when they want to resolve past debts and move forward without the burden of lingering balances. It’s a practical solution, especially if you’re dealing with multiple accounts or struggling to catch up.

If you’re unsure how to start or need help negotiating a fair settlement, CuraDebt’s team can guide you through the process with care and expertise.

Why Professional Support Matters When Settling Debt

If you’re considering settling a charged-off Bank of America account — or any other unsecured debt — getting professional support isn’t just helpful, it can be strategic. The settlement process involves more than just making an offer. It requires preparation, timing, negotiation skills, and an understanding of the creditor’s processes and motivations.

Without guidance, people often face common challenges:

Knowing what to offer and when.

Understanding whether the collector is legitimate.

Deciding how to prioritize multiple debts.

Avoiding language that could accidentally restart the statute of limitations.

Managing the emotional stress of persistent calls and letters.

This is where working with an experienced team can help you not only settle more efficiently — but also more confidently.

Can Bank Of America Sue You For Credit Card Debt?

One user answers by confirming that, yes, Bank of America can sue if credit card debt remains unpaid. The response explains that the bank has multiple methods of collecting, such as wage garnishment or liens if they win a judgment in court.

Sued By Bank Of America For Credit Card Debt

Another discussion on these platforms highlights the value of negotiating directly with the bank to potentially reduce the debt. However, negotiating alone can be challenging.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This

Dealing with a charged-off credit card, especially from a major lender like Bank of America, can feel overwhelming. There are many questions, and sometimes even more uncertainty. But taking steps to understand who owns your debt, what your settlement options are, and how to approach the process is already a sign that you’re serious about moving forward. That deserves recognition.

While it’s possible to navigate this journey on your own, having professional support can make a big difference. CuraDebt has helped thousands of people settle debts with compassion, strategy, and experience. Whether your debt is still with the original creditor or has been sold to a collection agency, we understand how to communicate with creditors and negotiate solutions that align with your goals.

If you’re ready to explore what settling your debt could look like — without pressure or obligation — we invite you to start with a free consultation. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you find a path forward that makes sense for your unique financial situation.