Is credit card debt settlement a good idea?

(NewsNation) — Americans are drowning in credit card debt, and some may be looking at debt relief programs as a solution, but there are several risks to be aware of.

The total household debt in the United States is now $17.8 trillion, and of that, about $1.6 trillion is credit card debt.

If you've fallen behind on your credit card payments, you have a few options. Experts NewsNation spoke to recently recommended balance transfer credit cards and trying to negotiate a lower rate with your lender, among several strategies.

Others who are struggling might consider debt settlement, also known as debt relief, but there are a few things you should know before going that route.

What is credit card debt settlement?

If a creditor doesn't think you'll be able to pay back your debt, then they may agree to let you pay off your credit card for less than the outstanding balance, thus "settling" your debt.

There are a few ways you can do that. First, you can call your lender directly and explain your situation. Depending on how much you owe and your payment history, they may be willing to negotiate a deal.

But it's important to remember: an account marked as "settled" is not the same as "paid in full" and can hurt your credit score.

Third-party debt relief companies are another option, but you should tread carefully, warns the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). For-profit debt settlement companies often encourage you to stop paying your credit card bills to gain leverage in a settlement, which can damage your credit score. They can also charge expensive fees.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) put it like this: "If a company can’t get your creditors to agree to settle your debts, you could owe even more money in the end in late fees and interest."

Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, echoed that concern and doesn't recommend going through a for-profit debt settlement company.

"It may not work, and even if it does, the late payments are really bad for your credit," he said.

Instead, Rossman said nonprofit credit counseling is a better way to go. Well-known organizations like Money Management International and GreenPath can help you come up with a repayment plan and work with creditors.

Who can qualify for debt settlement?

Even if you ask, credit card companies are not obligated to settle your debt, and relief is often dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

For those who opt for the riskier third-party debt settlement option, there are qualifications you'll have to meet. One legitimate company, National Debt Relief, requires you to have at least $7,500 in unsecured debt.

According to National Debt Relief, clients who "stay with the program" and get "all their debt settled" see savings of 50% before fees. However, clients typically pay up to 25% in fees on the total debt. So if you start the program $20,000 in debt, you could pay upwards of $5,000 in fees.

Depending on the type of settlement the company reaches, you may need money set aside to cover a lump sum. Remember, enrolling in a debt settlement program can hurt your credit score, and there's no guarantee of success.

You should also be on the lookout for debt settlement scams. Here's how you can spot them, according to the FTC:

• No legitimate organization will guarantee to settle all of your debts or get you fast loan forgiveness.
• No legitimate organization tries to enroll you in its program without first reviewing your financial situation.
• No legitimate organization will guarantee you results from a “new government program.”
• No legitimate organization tells you to stop communicating with your creditors without explaining the serious consequences.
• No legitimate organization tells you it can stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits.

To learn more about the companies you’re considering, the FTC recommends searching online for the company’s name, plus “complaint” or “review.”

What about hardship programs?

Many credit card issuers have hardship programs that offer temporary solutions to make your payments more manageable. Simply call your creditor and explain your financial situation. They may be willing to extend your due date, lower your interest rate, reduce minimum payments or waive late fees.

Those modifications can save you thousands of dollars, but they're usually temporary and meant to be short-term support while you get back on track.

Hardship programs may show up on your account, so it's worth asking your issuer if information will be shared with credit bureaus. With that said, participating in a hardship program will likely have much less of a negative impact on your credit score compared to third-party debt settlement.

For more tips on how to get out of credit card debt, read here.