So this is a good point. From the perspective of your credit score, the damage is done when you get to that point. Settling a debt hurts.
Where settling a debt has "value" is around mortgages. It shows that even though the damage was done, you did something to make it right. When underwriters get into the nuances of your credit, they will ask about this.
On a related matter, credit "repair" agencies work very simply, and in a few ways, one being the stress relief of redirecting calls to them rather than you.
But how do they actually "repair" your credit?
Every derogatory item, accurate or not, they dispute, hoping the merchant won't respond or follow process. If they do? They dispute it again. And again. Hoping to catch them out.
Where settling a debt has "value" is around mortgages. It shows that even though the damage was done, you did something to make it right. When underwriters get into the nuances of your credit, they will ask about this.
On a related matter, credit "repair" agencies work very simply, and in a few ways, one being the stress relief of redirecting calls to them rather than you.
But how do they actually "repair" your credit?
Every derogatory item, accurate or not, they dispute, hoping the merchant won't respond or follow process. If they do? They dispute it again. And again. Hoping to catch them out.