Barclays "default" when it's not a default.

binaryuniverse

Had some success here. Barclaycard called me this evening. They won't change the account to having defaulted but what the guy did say is to call them in May next year, and they will remove the AR from the file completely. Which is as good as, really.

Have asked for that in writing. Which they will send on to me.

Also didn't refund all my fees that were added on, but did refund half of them. I'll happily take that.

Well worth the effort of writing/sending the letter. :T

binaryuniverse

Well, it's almost some success. Had the confirmation letter, today. Even with the fees they agreed to refund, the total they've given me is still more than I actually owe.

Even the total on my credit report, last updated in July, is only £10 more than the total they have given me.

Back on the blower, in the morning.

binaryuniverse

Another question, regarding this scenario (the above was sorted btw).

Since I've had one settlement offer accepted, and paid, my attention is turning to this one. I'm preparing a settlement offer but, since this account isn't actually recorded as default, does anyone have any experience as to what would happen, if I were to make one, and it accepted?

Would the record stay on my report for a further 6 years, from date of the account 'closing'?

Alternatively, since Barclays have agreed to remove the account from my report, would be it be better to wait until that has been done, and then make an offer to settle the debt? Could they put the account back on, once removed?

sourcrates

binaryuniverse wrote: »

Alternatively, since Barclays have agreed to remove the account from my report, would be it be better to wait until that has been done, and then make an offer to settle the debt? Could they put the account back on, once removed?

This may be your best plan.

Once an account has been removed, it is extremely unlikely to ever be reinstated again (although stranger things have happened) it should not come back again, is what i`m trying to say.

So once removed, then get on with the settlement offers.

binaryuniverse

Thanks. That's where I was leaning towards. I may throw some savings at another, to just leave Barclays in May.

redux

I don't think there is any interconnection between the settlement proportion they might accept and whether it is within or outside the 6 years it spends on credit files.

As for the percentage itself, it has happened with Barclaycard that the ordinary customer services staff seem to have authority for one range, maybe 75%, and customer relations or complaints (whatever it's called) can go to 60% immediately and have discretion for listening to your lower offer (of maybe 40 to 50%).

I'm assuming you may have already talked to customer relations about the issue of being on credit files, so go direct to them. If not, and you're talking to ordinary cs and not getting far, say it isn't good enough and ask to be transferred.

I'd say start talking now, even if you foresee settling in 3 months. And if they come up with something you can manage sooner, do that, as the effect of waiting loses discount on subsequent monthly payments.

And, though you have a promise from them to remove it from the credit files, you may need to monitor a free service like Noddle, Clearscore, or the MSE credit club mirror of Experian, and phone up with a friendly reminder.