Pay for delete on in-house collection account?

Question

I have an account that regrettably was charged-off, but has not been sold to a collection agency. At least that is what I believe because I do not have a collection agency listed for that account on my credit report, just the original creditor. So, firstly, is it still possible to send a pay for delete letter? Or is there no point because they are the original creditor? If no collection agency is listed for that account, is it worth contacting the original creditor at all? I'm looking to buy a home soon and want this off my report.

Answer 1

Definitely contact the original creditor and see what you can work out.  If the first person doesn't seem to understand, keep asking for a supervisor until you get someone knowledgeable.

Answer 2

It's hard to get charge-offs removed from your credit report. Technically, the original creditor is required to report a charge-off on your credit file.

You can probably negotiate a settlement to where they will update your credit report to "paid/settled," which is still a negative remark but better than unpaid.