Settling Debt With CRDT First: Your Step-by-Step Game Plan

CRDT First is coming after you for an unpaid Firestone or Bridgestone credit card. The calls won't stop. You're wondering if you can settle for less than the full balance, or if you're stuck paying every dollar they demand.

You can settle. CRDT First, like most credit card collectors, would rather take a lump sum today than chase you for years. The question isn't whether they'll negotiate—it's how much leverage you have and what offer they'll accept.

What Is CRDT First and Why Are They Calling You?

CRDT First is the shorthand for Credit First National Association, a bank that issues store-branded credit cards. They partner with tire and automotive retailers: Firestone Complete Auto Care, Bridgestone, and Tires Plus. If you financed new tires or a car repair with one of these cards, CRDT First is your creditor.

When you miss payments, CRDT First doesn't immediately sue. They'll call you directly for the first few months. If you don't respond or can't pay, they'll either sell your debt to a third-party buyer or hire a collection agency to pursue it on their behalf. Over 4.5 million people hold CRDT First cards, so you're not alone in this situation.

Can You Really Settle for Less Than You Owe?

Yes. CRDT First routinely accepts settlement offers below the full balance. They know that dragging out collection efforts costs money, and they'd rather recover 50-70% of the debt now than risk getting nothing if you file bankruptcy.

Settlement works best when you can offer a lump sum. CRDT First is more likely to discount your balance if you can pay in one or two installments rather than spreading payments over months. If you owe $3,000, for example, an offer of $1,500 paid within 30 days might get accepted. The exact discount depends on how old the debt is, whether you've been sued, and how desperate CRDT First is to clear their books.

When Settlement Makes Sense

Settlement is your strongest play if you:

• Have access to a lump sum (savings, a loan from family, tax refund)
• Can't afford the full balance but can scrape together 40-60% of it
• Haven't been sued yet, or the lawsuit was just filed
• Want to avoid bankruptcy

If you're judgment-proof,meaning you have no income or assets they can legally seize,settlement may not be worth it. They can't garnish Social Security or disability benefits in most states, so paying them anything might be a waste of your limited resources.

How to Negotiate a Settlement With CRDT First

Start by calculating what you can realistically pay. Don't offer your absolute maximum right away. If you have $2,000 available and you owe $4,000, your first offer should be around $1,400. This gives you room to negotiate up.

Step 1: Request Debt Validation

Before you pay a dime, confirm that CRDT First or their collector actually owns the debt and that the amount is accurate. Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of their first contact. They must provide proof: the original creditor's name, the account number, and a breakdown of the balance.

If they can't validate, the debt may be too old to enforce or it might not be yours. Don't negotiate until you see documentation.

Step 2: Make Your Offer

Call CRDT First or respond to their collection letter. Be direct: "I can't pay the full amount, but I have $1,400 I can pay in one lump sum to settle this account in full." Use the phrase "settle in full" so they know you expect the remaining balance to be forgiven.

If they counter at 70%, you can meet them halfway or hold firm. The older the debt, the more leverage you have. Debts over two years old often settle for 30-50 cents on the dollar.

Step 3: Get It in Writing

Never pay until you have a settlement agreement in writing. The letter must state:

• The settlement amount
• The payment deadline
• That paying this amount settles the debt in full
• That CRDT First will report the account as "settled" or "paid" to the credit bureaus

If they refuse to send a letter, don't pay. Verbal promises mean nothing if they later claim you still owe the balance.

Step 4: Pay Exactly What You Agreed To

Use a method you can track: cashier's check, money order, or bank transfer. Keep a copy of the settlement letter and proof of payment for at least seven years. If CRDT First or a future debt buyer tries to collect again, you'll have evidence the debt was resolved.

What If CRDT First Already Sued You?

If you've been served with a lawsuit, you have between 14 and 30 days to file a written response with the court. This is called an Answer. Miss that deadline and CRDT First wins a default judgment, which lets them garnish your wages or freeze your bank account.

Filing an Answer doesn't mean you're fighting the case in court. It means you're protecting your rights and buying time to negotiate. Many lawsuits settle once the debtor shows they're willing to engage. CRDT First would rather take a settlement than spend money on legal fees.

You can still negotiate after a lawsuit is filed. In fact, you may have more leverage because they're now paying attorney fees. Offer 50-60% of the balance and see if they bite. If you need help drafting an Answer, our free bankruptcy screener can connect you with resources.

What Happens to Your Credit Score After Settlement?

Settlement will ding your credit score, but not as badly as a judgment or bankruptcy. CRDT First will report the account as "settled for less than the full balance," which stays on your report for seven years from the date of your first missed payment.

Your score typically drops 50-100 points initially, but it recovers faster than if you'd done nothing. A settled account is better than an ongoing collection, and much better than a judgment that could haunt you for a decade.

If you're already dealing with multiple delinquencies, the additional hit from settlement may be negligible. Once the account is resolved, you can start rebuilding with a secured credit card or credit-builder loan.

Alternatives to Settlement

Settlement isn't your only option. Depending on your situation, you might consider:

• Payment plan: CRDT First may agree to a monthly payment plan without requiring a lump sum. You'll pay the full balance, but you avoid the credit score hit of settlement.
• Bankruptcy: If you owe CRDT First and several other creditors, Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out unsecured debts in four months. It's not as scary as it sounds, and it stops lawsuits cold. Learn how bankruptcy works here.
• Do nothing (if you're judgment-proof): If you have no income or assets, CRDT First can't collect even if they sue. Statutes of limitation vary by state, but most credit card debts expire after 3-6 years. Once the statute runs, they can't sue you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't restart the clock. If the debt is old, making a payment or even acknowledging you owe it can reset the statute of limitations in some states. Before you pay anything, check your state's rules.

Don't give CRDT First access to your bank account. They may ask for automatic payments. Decline. Pay with a one-time method you control, like a money order.

Don't trust verbal promises. If a collector says "pay $500 now and we'll forgive the rest," get it in writing. If they refuse, walk away.

How to Contact CRDT First

If you're ready to negotiate, you can reach CRDT First at:

Phone: 1-866-419-4096
Address: Credit First National Association, PO Box 81315, Cleveland, OH 44181

When you call, have your account number, the total balance, and your settlement offer ready. Be polite but firm. You're proposing a business deal, not begging for mercy.

The Bottom Line

CRDT First will negotiate. Whether you owe $1,000 or $10,000, they'd rather take a settlement than chase you forever. Calculate what you can pay, make an offer below that amount, and don't hand over a cent until you have a signed agreement. If you're drowning in multiple debts, check if bankruptcy might be a faster solution. Either way, you're not stuck. Act now, and this debt disappears.