Debt Collection Success Rate (2024)

Debt collection is an important aspect of financial management for businesses of all sizes in the United States. Whether you are a small business owner or a large corporation, recovering outstanding debts is crucial for the financial stability and growth of your business. However, choosing the right debt collection agency can be a daunting task, as not all agencies are created equal. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a debt collection agency is its success rate.

What is the average collection rate for a collection agency?

The success rate of a debt collection agency refers to the percentage of debts that the agency is able to recover on behalf of its clients. This rate is a clear indication of the agency's effectiveness in collecting outstanding debts. The higher the success rate, the better the agency is at recovering the maximum amount of money owed to its clients.

According to recent statistics, the average success rate for debt collection agencies in the United States is around 20-30%. Therefore, it is reasonable to estimate that a typical debt collection agency will recover an average of $20-30 for every $100 in outstanding debt. A survey conducted by the ACA International in 2014 reported a 21.7% average industry-wide success rate.

Kaulkin Ginsberg Company's most recent debt collection success study, published in 2020, found that debt collection firms recovered nearly $102.6 billion in debt, representing 11.1% of face value. However, there are some agencies that are able to achieve a success rate of over 50%, which can make a significant difference in the amount of money recovered.

Result-driven - Fair Capital's collection success rate is currently 53.22% above the industry average.

(Based on the American Collectors Association's survey).

While the average success rate for debt collection agencies in the United States is around 20-30%, Fair Capital stands out with a collection success rate of 53.22% above the industry average.

Our results-driven approach and specialized expertise in various industries have enabled us to achieve exceptional results for our clients. In order to achieve a high success rate in debt collection, it's important for agencies to have a solid strategy in place. This includes having a team of experienced and trained professionals who understand the industry and know how to negotiate with debtors effectively. It also involves utilizing the latest technology and data analytics to identify the most promising accounts to pursue.

Debt Collection Success Rate (4)

Liquidation rates by industry

​Industry

Average Recovery Rate

Credit Card Debt Collection

24.8%

Property Management Debt Collection

22.5%

Telecom Debt Collection

20.5%

Utility Debt Collection

21.8%

Health Care Debt Collection

24.5%

Debt Collection

​23.7%

​Government Debt Collection

​22.6%

24.8%

​Hospital Debt Collection

​15.3%

Source: American Collectors Association 2012 & 2013 Survey

The survey calculated the liquidation rate by dividing a collection agency's gross amount collected during a 12-month period by the amount of new business placed over the 12-month period. The survey did not track the recovery of an individual account over the life of the account.

There are many factors that will affect a collection agency's success rates, but perhaps the most notable is time. Across the industry, the likelihood of write-off increases by approximately 1% with every passing week after the past-due date. Simply put, the recovery rate of accounts that are past due for longer than 6 months statistically drops in half. That likelihood drops to only about 25% after 12 months.

How We Consistently Achieve Superior Results

Let's be honest, collecting debts can be a tough gig. But when you bring a debt collection agency on board, you want to see them knocking it out of the park, not just keeping up with the crowd. That's exactly where we at Fair Capital come in. We don't just aim for "good enough". No, we're all about going above and beyond for our clients. Our leadership team, a group of smart cookies, is always on the ball, striving to make our winning streak even better.

So, how do we hit home runs so consistently? Well, it all boils down to our special three-step process for collecting debts.

First up, we start with what we call 'Soft Collections'. This is all about having a friendly chat with the person who owes the money. We find that starting off on the right foot can make a big difference in the long run.

Then, we ramp things up a bit with 'Standard and Intensive Collections'. This is when we really roll up our sleeves and get to work on securing the most we can for our clients.

But if all else fails, we've got a secret weapon - the option for legal action. It's our last resort, but when we need it, it's a game changer for making sure we deliver the goods for our clients.

At Fair Capital, we treat each account as if it's our only one. We know every penny counts, so we pour our energy into getting the most out of each case. We're not just about meeting standards, we're all about smashing expectations and delivering top-notch results. With Fair Capital, you're not just hiring a debt collection agency, you're teaming up with a success partner.

Debt Collection Success Rate (5)

At Fair Capital, w𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 - our collection rate is currently 𝟱𝟯.𝟮𝟮% higher than the American Collectors Association average.

Maximize your results with Fair Capital

Debt Collection Success Rate (6)

How much does an average collection agency collect?

What is the average collection rate for a collection agency?

Which collection agency has the highest collection rate?

Where Can I Find the Best Debt Collection Agency Near Me?

Debt Collection Success Rate (2024)

FAQs

Debt Collection Success Rate? ›

While the exact figure can vary, industry reports often suggest that the average collection success rate hovers around 15%-30% for many sectors, though this can be significantly higher or lower based on specific circ*mstances.

What percentage of debt will collectors settle for? ›

Although the average settlement amounts to 48% of what you originally owed, that number is a bit skewed. If your debts are still with the original creditor, settlement amounts tend to be much higher. You can end up paying up to 80% of what you owe if the debt is still with the original creditor.

What is the success rate of debt recovery? ›

Liquidation rates by industry
​IndustryAverage Recovery Rate
Credit Card Debt Collection24.8%
Property Management Debt Collection22.5%
Telecom Debt Collection20.5%
​Utility Debt Collection21.8%
5 more rows
Dec 28, 2023

What is the average recovery 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.

Are debt collectors effective? ›

Using a debt collection agency can save you time and money pursuing the debt, but they often take an amount recovered as part of their service offerings. Their services include contacting and pursuing debtors, sending a letter of demand, preparing a summons and running court action.

What is the lowest a creditor will settle for? ›

Depending on the situation, debt settlement offers might range from 10% to 80% of what you owe.

Is it better to pay the original creditor Instead collection? ›

Generally, paying the original creditor rather than a debt collector is better. The creditor has more discretion and flexibility in negotiating payment terms with you. And because that company might see you as a former and possibly future customer, it might be more willing to offer you a deal.

How to get rid of $30,000 in debt? ›

3 ways to pay off $30,000 in credit card debt
  1. Get in touch with a debt relief service.
  2. Curb spending on luxuries.
  3. Get creative with your payments.
Mar 27, 2024

What is the success rate of debt collection? ›

While the exact figure can vary, industry reports often suggest that the average collection success rate hovers around 15%-30% for many sectors, though this can be significantly higher or lower based on specific circ*mstances.

How to get $50,000 out of debt? ›

Tips for Paying Off $50,000 in Credit Card Debt
  1. Pay More Than the Minimum. ...
  2. Focus on High-Interest Debt First. ...
  3. Pay Off the Card With the Lowest Balance First. ...
  4. Review Your Expenses. ...
  5. Use Extra Cash to Pay Down Your Debt. ...
  6. Home Equity Loan. ...
  7. Personal Loan. ...
  8. Balance Transfer.
Jun 13, 2023

Do collection agencies eventually give up? ›

In many cases, although you would think that debt collectors would eventually give up, they are known to be relentless. Debt collectors will push you until they get paid, and use sneaky tactics as well.

Is it worth paying a collection agency? ›

It's typically better to pay the original creditor instead of paying a collection agency. Ideally, you'd reach out to the original creditor before your account is sent to collections. “Telling your lender you're having financial difficulty allows them to be sensitive to your situation,” Wood said.

Will most collection agencies settle for less? ›

Negotiating with a debt collector happens at the discretion of the collection agency but most are open to a settlement for less than what is owed to avoid a long-drawn-out collection process.

What's the worst a debt collector can do? ›

Debt collectors are not permitted to try to publicly shame you into paying money that you may or may not owe. In fact, they're not even allowed to contact you by postcard. They cannot publish the names of people who owe money. They can't even discuss the matter with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

What not to say to debt collectors? ›

Never give out or confirm personal or sensitive financial information – such as your bank account, credit card, or full Social Security number – unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector.

What percentage of debt collectors sue? ›

How likely is it that you will be sued for a debt? According to one Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report, 1 in 7 — or about 15% — of consumers contacted about a debt in collections were sued. But the likelihood of a debt collection lawsuit depends on several factors.

What percentage is a good settlement? ›

For junk debt buyers, a low settlement could be around 10% of the total debt, but more typically, offers between 30% and 40% are accepted, especially if you can pay in a lump sum shortly after reaching an agreement.

What percentage do collection agencies pay for debt? ›

On average, debt collection agencies only pay 4% of the original debt value, while they collect on the full amount. This means debt buyers can make a huge profit if you pay them your full debt. SoloSuit explains how debt collection agencies profit from buying up cheap, overdue consumer debts.

What is the average percentage of credit card debt settlement? ›

While there is no hard and fast rule for debt settlements, the settlement amount is typically based on a percentage of the overall amount you owe. For example, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) reports that the typical credit card debt settlement percentage is worth about 40%-50% of the full amount.

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