If you have a debt in collections, you have a few options for paying it off.

Option 1. Pay the Debt in Full

The easiest way to get a debt collector off your back is by paying the debt in full. Make sure you’re paying the right party, however. If your debt has been sold, you can’t just pay the original creditor, because the collection agency owns the debt now.

Be aware that paying off your debt may hurt your credit score without some sort of deal in place.

Option 2. Negotiate the Debt

If you can’t pay back the debt in full, you may be able to negotiate your debt by paying back a fraction in exchange for the creditor forgiving what’s left. You can offer to make a lump sum payment or create a new payment plan with more flexibility. Make sure you get all deals in writing.