How to Settle Debt With CRDT First: Your Complete Guide

Debt collectors from CRDT First are contacting you multiple times. You feel scared, anxious, and unsure about what to do next.

Debt collectors focus on getting you to repay what you allegedly owe. CRDT First may call your phone or reach out through Facebook, X, or other social media platforms.

You have legal options available. Tools exist to resolve your debt issue with CRDT First.

What Is CRDT First?

CRDT stands for Credit First National Association. CRDT First specializes in offering credit cards affiliated with automotive companies.

The company manages credit cards for Bridgestone, Firestone, and Tires Plus. More than 4.5 million people own a CRDT First credit card.

When you fall behind on payments, CRDT First eventually refers your account to a debt collector.

Check CRDT First Reviews Online

Other consumers have shared their debt collection experiences with CRDT First. You can find real reviews on Google, Consumer Affairs, and the Better Business Bureau.

The online reviews are relatively mixed. Some are good, others not so good.

Despite mixed reviews, you should take proactive steps to engage with CRDT First. Debt collectors, including CRDT First, often resolve issues through negotiated debt settlement.

Calling a debt collector sounds intimidating. Consider working with our partner Solo to negotiate online and resolve your debt digitally.

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA

You have legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA protects consumers from harassment and unlawful actions by debt collectors.

The FDCPA established guidelines that dictate how debt collectors can act:

• Debt collectors cannot contact you at your workplace
• Debt collectors cannot threaten you with a lawsuit
• Debt collectors cannot contact you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
• Debt collectors cannot use rude or vulgar language

6 Steps to Settle Debt With CRDT First

You owe the debt and want to avoid litigation. Negotiating a debt settlement is your best option.

CRDT First may agree to settle for less than what you owe. A reasonable lump sum offer increases your chances of success.

You received a Summons and Complaint for a debt collection lawsuit. Now is the time to act.

Follow these steps to settle with CRDT First:

1. Respond to CRDT First’s lawsuit via an Answer to avoid default judgment
2. Calculate how much you can afford without impacting rent, utilities, or transportation
3. Begin settlement talks with an offer lower than your calculated amount
4. Get the debt settlement terms in writing once you reach agreement
5. Sign the debt settlement agreement along with the debt collector
6. Pay the negotiated amount

Your opening settlement offer should be lower than what you calculated. A lower opening offer provides room to negotiate upward.

Keep copies of all agreements you reach with CRDT First. Honor your part of the agreement.

Defend Yourself If CRDT First Sues You

CRDT First filed a debt collection lawsuit against you. Do not ignore the suit hoping it will disappear.

The lawsuit will not magically go away. CRDT First debt collectors expect people to ignore lawsuits and throw them away.

Ignoring a debt lawsuit benefits only the debt collection agency. CRDT First will file a motion for default judgment and likely get it granted.

Options are available to defeat debt collectors like CRDT First. Our partner Solo can help you respond to a debt lawsuit.

Follow these three steps to respond:

1. Answer each claim from the Complaint document
2. Use affirmative defenses to strengthen your case
3. File your Answer in court and send a copy to CRDT First

Answer Each Claim From the Complaint

You receive legal documents called the Summons and Complaint when CRDT First sues you. The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit and court dates.

The Complaint lists specific claims CRDT First makes against you. Respond to these documents with a written Answer.

The first section of your Answer should list individual responses to each claim. You can use one of these answers:

• Deny
• Deny due to lack of knowledge
• Admit

Denying a claim forces CRDT First to prove it. Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible.

Denial forces CRDT First to do more work proving their case. Some debt collectors drop cases at this point.

Use Affirmative Defenses Against CRDT First

You have the chance to challenge CRDT First’s legal arguments. Assert your affirmative defenses in your Answer.

Affirmative defenses are legal reasons that CRDT First should not win. CRDT First must prove you are the person who owes the debt.

CRDT First must prove:

• CRDT First has the right to sue you
• You are the person who owes the debt
• You owe the money listed in the complaint

CRDT First fails to meet these requirements in many cases. You will beat them in court and have the lawsuit dismissed.

Argue that CRDT First did not file within the required statute of limitations. The statute of limitations states a lawsuit must be filed within a given timeframe.

CRDT First sued you for debts where the statute of limitations lapsed. You may file a motion to dismiss the suit with prejudice.

Consider filing a countersuit against CRDT First. You may have evidence proving CRDT First violated the FDCPA.

Proof of FDCPA violations may entitle you to compensatory damages. CRDT First may have to pay your attorney fees too.

File Your Answer and Send a Copy

You drafted your Answer with responses and affirmative defenses. Now submit it to the court.

File your Answer before the deadline, which is 14-35 days depending on your state. Missing the deadline results in default judgment.

Send a copy of the Answer to CRDT First via USPS certified mail. Request a return receipt to prove proper service.

Real Example: Winning Against CRDT First

Abraham was sued for a debt with CRDT First in California. He worked with our partner to draft his own Answer to the lawsuit.

Abraham denied as many claims as appropriate in his Answer. The debt was from seven years ago.

Abraham included the statute of limitations in his affirmative defenses section. California’s statute of limitations on credit card debt is just four years.

Abraham filed his Answer before the 30-day California deadline. He sent a copy to CRDT First.

Shortly after filing the Answer, CRDT First dismissed the case. Abraham won.

Summary: What to Do If CRDT First Sues You

Here’s what you need to do if CRDT First sues you:

• Answer each claim listed in the Complaint document
• Assert your affirmative defenses
• File the Answer before the deadline and send a copy to CRDT First
• Contact CRDT First to negotiate a settlement and get it in writing

Debt collection lawsuits are stressful but you can win. With the right approach, you can beat CRDT First.

You might even get compensatory damages if CRDT First violated the FDCPA. Take action today to protect your rights.