Why Working with Our Team is Smarter Choice than Debt Settlement Companies

At DuPage Credit Union, we understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Whether it’s an unexpected expense, a job change, or simply falling behind, financial challenges happen—and when they do, we’re here to help. If you’ve missed a payment or are struggling to stay current, it’s important to know that working directly with our team can offer significant advantages over dealing with an outside debt collection company.

Our Best Advice: Be Proactive in Reaching Out About Debt

Falling behind on payments can feel overwhelming, but one of the most powerful things you can do is reach out early. Being proactive about debt assistance can make a huge difference in both your financial health and peace of mind. Here’s why it matters:

1. You’ll Have More Options: When you reach out to us early, it’s easier for us to work with you and provide you with more options. That could mean setting up a custom payment plan, temporarily reducing your interest rate, or even deferring a payment.
2. You Can Protect Your Credit: Missing payments without communicating can damage your credit score, making it harder to get approved for loans, credit cards, or even housing.
3. It Reduces Stress: Debt can weigh on you emotionally. But often, the anxiety is worse than the reality. When you contact us, you gain clarity on your options and take the first step toward a solution—which is incredibly empowering.
4. You Avoid Escalation: Debt doesn’t just sit still. With late fees, penalties, and added interest, it can grow quickly. Proactively managing it prevents small problems from becoming big ones.
5. You Remain a Member in Good Standing: Being proactive can help preserve your member status, avoid account restrictions, and keep lines of credit open for future use.

How Does DuPage Credit Union Compare to a Debt Settlement Company?

When you work with us, you’re partnering with a team who genuinely cares about your financial well-being. Unlike debt settlement companies, our team is part of the same credit union you already trust, and we’re focused on helping you find solutions. Here are some of the key reasons why that difference matters:

1. Member-Centered Approach
   We’re not-for-profit and member-owned, so we work for you! Unlike debt settlement agencies, we prioritize your financial well-being rather than maximizing profit. Our goal is to help you get back on track—not punish you for falling behind.
2. No Upfront Fees
   Debt collection agencies charge fees or take a cut before any negotiations begin—reducing the amount that goes toward resolving your debt. Our team works directly with you to apply every dollar you pay toward your actual balance.
3. Greater Flexibility
   Our team often has more discretion than third-party collectors to negotiate payment plans, waive fees, or offer deferment options.
4. Reduced Stress and Stigma
   Dealing with a local, trusted team that you already have a relationship with can feel far less intimidating than dealing with a faceless, sometimes aggressive agency.
5. Better Communication
   We have access to your full account history and can answer questions on the spot. There’s no need to get transferred or re-explain your situation multiple times.
6. No Damage from Third-Party Reporting (at first)
   Since internal collections occur before a debt is sent to external agencies or reported to credit bureaus, resolving things early may protect your credit score.
7. We Don’t Use Scare Tactics: An honest business doesn’t have to resort to scare tactics to get you to contact them. You may have heard debt settlement agencies advertise on the TV or on the radio. Oftentimes they use urgent-sounding messaging like:

• • “The IRS will garnish your wages.”
  • “You’ll be sued if you don’t act now.”
  • “Your credit will be ruined forever.”
  • “Banks won’t negotiate with you—but they will with us.”

The truth is, wage garnishment and lawsuits are extreme circumstances that require a court order and don’t happen overnight; credit can often be repaired over time with more sustainable solutions, and we have an entire department with decades of experience dedicated to helping members get back on track!

Why Reaching Out Matters

We understand—it’s not easy to talk about past-due accounts. Debt can feel overwhelming, and reaching out might be the last thing you want to do. But we’re here to support you, and by contacting us early, you open the door to flexible solutions, personalized support, and the opportunity to protect your credit and your peace of mind.

We offer a simple online form to get the conversation started and free financial counseling and debt management resources from our trusted partners at GreenPath and Fannie Mae.