Horrible call with MBNA - help please

PennyLessons

I have just had the most horrible call with MBNA about my Abbey Credit Card repayments. Last year I agreed a payment plan with them for £40 a month to start to clear my balance of £5000.00 (eekkk!) They took the payments automatically for 3 months and then stopped.

When I called them they told me I needed to set up a Direct Debit and promised to send me form.

I hadn't heard anything - so I called them just now and they say I must now pay them £46 a month - I said I couldn't as I didn't have any more to give and they said I had to and by law the debt must be cleared in 10 years. And if i didn't accept then they would be unable to set up payment scheme for me. They were really unpleasant - being in debt is bad enough without this when your trying to get sorted! Finally I was told accept the £46 payment or the account would go to a debt collector. So again I said i was unable to pay that much and was told fine and bye then! That was horrible I feel all knotted inside......

what now???

Donedoingdebt

Don't worry, this is typical MBNA scare tactics. It is easy to set up a standing order (NOT DIRECT DEBIT) online to pay them a regular amount every month. Set this up so at least they're getting something every month. If they still threaten you with DCAs, don't panic as they're often easier to deal with than MBNA. You may still have to negotiate with them to freeze interest & charges. If you feel you need support in doing this then contact one of the free debt help agencies (CCCS, PAYPLAN, CAB etc) & they will give you the proper advice & guidelines.

looby75

Don't panic, the debt going to a debt collector isn't the end of the world and to be honest If i had the choice of dealing with a DCA rather than MBNA I would choose the DCA every time!

There is NO such law saying the debt has to be paid off in 10 years, they are talking out of their backsides there. I am on a DMP with is going to run for aprox 12 years. MBNA are one of my creditors and they have accepted these reduced payments.

Is MBNA the only co you owe money to? If you have more than just one creditor it might be worth contacting one of the free Debt Management charities such as CCCS (who I'm with) Payplan or got to the CAB who will also be able to help you.

Don't let the bully you. I would suggest you pay them the £40 a month even if they don't agree to it, that way if the debt does get passed on you can show you have been making an effort. Oh and don't forget to claim back any late fees you may have been given