Santander Cards Debt Collections & Recovery – Must You Pay?

Dealing with a surprise letter from Jefferson Santander Cards Debt Collections & Recovery can be a big concern.

But don’t worry! It’s crucial to know that not everyone needs to pay this debt. This article is here to help you understand your choices.

In this guide, we’ll go through:

•  Understanding if the Santander Cards Debt is real and if you must pay it.
•  Ways to reduce, defer, or pay your debt in bits.
•  How to deal with visits from the debt company.
•  Tips to handle your debts and keep up with payments.
•  Legal ways to write off your debt.

Every month, over 170,000 people visit us for advice on debt issues, so you’re not on your own. We understand the worry that comes with such letters, especially if you’re not sure where the debt came from or if you can afford to pay.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

I Can’t Afford to Pay It Back

You may owe the debt but have no means to pay it all back.

You should still contact the Santander cards debt collection company to let them know.

There are usually several options available to you in these circumstances:

1. Reduce the Debt

You may find that the debt collection company can come to an arrangement with you to reduce the debt if you are struggling to pay it.

For example, they may agree to take some percentage off it. It is worth asking them if this is an option, as the best thing to do is to completely clear the debt with one payment.

Debt companies just want to get payment and may be willing to agree to a discount if you can clear it off.

2. Pay In Instalments

If you can’t manage to make one payment, you can also suggest paying in instalments.

Most Santander cards debt collection companies will allow you to make even small payments, such as £5 per week, if you stick to the payment plan.

If you are suggesting a low amount and the debt is quite high, they may ask you to send proof of your earnings.

It is better to set the monthly instalments as high as you can afford. This way, it will clear the debt quicker, which means the debt collection company will not be on your back, causing you stress.

3. Defer the Debt

You may be able to defer the debt for a month or two if you speak to the debt company to advise on your situation.

For example, you may have just started a new job, or you may be out of work now.

If you discuss your situation with the debt company and arrange with them, they will usually be flexible enough to look at deferring it where possible.

The Debt is Too High

If you recognise the debt, but it seems extremely high compared to what you thought it was, it is worth giving Santander or the debt company a call.

Ask them to provide a written breakdown of the debt. It may be that interest has been added to your debt, which is higher than you expected.

If the original debt exceeds what you owe, the Santander cards debt collection company may need to update their details.

I’ve Never Had a Santander Card?

When you receive a letter, call or email about Santander cards debt collection, your first instinct may be to panic, particularly if you don’t recognise the debt.

If you have never had a Santander card before, it is likely that Santander has passed on the wrong details or the debt collection company has got something wrong along the way.

If you don’t recognise the debt, don’t pay it.

Speak to the company that is dealing with the Santander cards debt collection and ask them to confirm when the debt was taken out.

Verify that the company is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before you discuss anything with them or make any payments.

They may pass you back to Santander, at which time you should ask for written details (e.g. a copy of the original credit agreement) about the debt.

In addition, you have the right to:

• Be treated fairly and with respect. They cannot engage in harassment, threats, or intimidation
• Request proof of the debt they claim you owe. Debt collectors must provide this information upon request.
• Request that debt collectors cease communication with you, except for certain essential notifications.
• Ask Santander cards debt collections to provide clear and accurate information about the debt, including the amount owed, the original creditor, and repayment options.
• Negotiate and agree upon affordable repayment plans with debt collectors.

It is important to get clarification, and if this is not your debt, they should update their records.

Don’t ignore the Santander cards debt collection if you don’t recognise it, as the debt will remain. Make sure you call up about it and get them to rectify any incorrect information.

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

Santander Cards Debt Collections and Recovery Contact Details

Will the Debt Company Visit My Home?

The Santander cards debt collection company may threaten to visit your home to collect the outstanding debt.

They cannot enter your home, so if they suggest doing this, you can refuse to allow them to do this. If you ask them to leave your property, they must do this.

You don’t want to be in this situation, though, so it is best to avoid this at all costs.

It is much better to speak to the debt collection company and take steps to resolve it before they take any extreme measures like this.

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How to Manage Your Debt

If you are in debt, whether it’s to a Santander cards debt collection company or any others, it can be highly stressful.

It is essential to take steps to pay your debt off, rather than just ignoring the letters.

Debt won’t just go away, debt collection companies will continue to chase it until you speak to them, and this alone can cause a lot of stress.

It may be tempting to just throw letters in the bin and ignore calls, but this will only do more damage to your future credit choices.

These are some steps you can take to manage your debt.

1. Work Out Your Budget

The first step is to sit down and work out your budget after you have paid all your regular bills.

You should pay your bills, such as energy and rent before you even consider paying your debt off or saving any money.

You should then work out your whole debt and see what you can realistically repay. Contact the creditors and devise a payment plan with them.

The sooner you can start making payments, the better. If you can pay any debt in full, it is advisable to do this.

2. Get a Personal Loan

If you have debt with a range of companies, and you are being contacted not only by Santander cards debt collection, you may want to consolidate your debt with a personal loan.

You will usually find that most companies will be willing to come to an arrangement based on your circumstances if you are open and honest with them about the debt.

2. Seek Advice

If you are really over your head with debt and you can’t afford to make any payments to it, you may want to look at getting professional advice.

Citizens Advice offer a free service and will be able to discuss your debt and offer advice on how to deal with it.

If your situation is such that you have no means of paying your debt, this is a good company to call to get free advice.

Other debt charities to consider include:

• National Debtline
• StepChange
• MoneyHelper

If you have debt with a range of companies, and you are being contacted not only by Santander cards debt collection, you may want to consolidate your debt with a personal loan.

It can be easier to manage your debt if it is all in one place.

The main point to remember about debt is that it doesn’t just disappear, and companies spend a lot of their resources to get their money back.