N
The Daily Insight Hub

What percentage will most debt collectors take?

Author

William Jenkins

Updated on February 14, 2026

The creditor pays the collector a percentage, typically between 25% to 50% of the amount collected. Debt collection agencies collect delinquent debts of all types: credit card, medical, automobile loans, personal loans, business, student loans, and even unpaid utility and cell phone bills.

What percentage will debt collectors settle for?

Offer a Lump-Sum Settlement Some want 75%–80% of what you owe. Others will take 50%, while others might settle for one-third or less. Proposing a lump-sum settlement is generally the best option—and the one most collectors will readily agree to—if you can afford it.

What is the average collection rate for a collection agency?

The average agency will recover 20% of the money owed to you, or $20,000. They will typically charge a 15% contingency fee based on the amount of debt collected, which would be $3,000 for the $20,000 recovered. So after fees are paid, you’ll end up with $17,000 recovered from $100,000 worth of debt.

Can a debt collection company charge interest?

Collectors can’t just inflate what you owe Regarding that amount: A debt collector can charge interest, but only up to the amount stipulated in your contract with the original creditor. Most states also cap the amount of interest and fees a debt collector can charge.

How much can collectors increase charged-off debt?

One collector tried to charge Montana resident Tim McCollough $5,500 in interest on top of his unpaid $3,800 balance on a Chase card. McCollough, a retired school custodian, wound up winning a six-figure judgment against collection law firm Johnson, Rodenburg & Lauinger LLC for abusive practices.

Can a debt collector collect interest on a debt?

If a debt buyer purchases (your debt), the right to collect interest is not automatic. “They don’t want to put it on their books, when there’s only a slim chance they’ll recover it,” said Ronald Canter, a Maryland lawyer who represents banks and debt collectors. Writing off the debt does not mean it goes away.

Which is an example of the cost of debt?

What is Cost of Debt? The cost of debt is the return that a company provides to its debtholders and creditors. These capital providers need to be compensated for any risk exposure that comes with lending to a company. Since observable interest rates Simple Interest Simple interest formula, definition and example.

How does a debt collection agency make money?

Some collection agencies may buy debts and also chase debts on a creditor’s behalf. Creditors will usually sell or ‘assign’ a large amount of debts to a debt purchaser. The debts will be sold at less than their face value, but the debt purchaser is entitled to collect the full balance. This is where their profit comes from.