The answer to that question is through debt settlement, convincing your creditors to take less than the full amount owed. Like the pharmaceutical advertisements on TV, debt settlement isn't for everyone.
Your accounts must be at least 6 months over due. In other words no payments have been made for 180 days. At that point the bank or credit card company will have written off the balance of the card. It is still a valid account but its worth to the bank is close to nothing. If you make a payment on the account its value increases and the creditor won't negotiate.
You must have some funds available to pay at least 50% of what you owe. Most creditors won't agree to anything much lower when negotiating with an individual creditor. Of course start the discussions with an amount that is 35% to 40% of what you owe so you have some wiggle room.
It's fine to start the debt settlement procedure with a phone call but it's best to get everything in writing. Your job is to convince the creditor that there is no way that you can possible pay more than what you're offering to settle for. It may not be pleasant but if you've lost your job, gone through a divorce or have major medical bills to pay, the creditor needs to know that.
The creditor may insist that you make a payment, even just a small payment immediately, to show your good faith. But remember, if you do that you bring the account to day 1. Accounts must have had no payments for 180 days to be eligible for settlement.
Until the creditor has agreed, in writing, and you've made the settlement payment, the creditor can pursue legal action. As soon as you receive an debt settlement agreement, send in a check for the amount with a copy of the agreement by registered mail or overnight delivery. Some advisers say it's best to put on the back of the check where it would normally be endorsed a statement that says For payment in full of account (and then your account number.
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