Debt settlement is a process that allows an account holder to settle a credit card debt for a lesser amount through an agreement with the lender. Lenders are almost anxious to make a settlement agreement with account holders that cannot afford to pay the account in full. It does no one any good when the collection process goes on for an extended period of time when the cardholder only has a certain amount of money to put towards paying off outstanding debt. Even though this option will ruin your credit, for some it is still the best way of resolving a debt. More credit card companies are taking account holders to court for the balance on the account, but if you can settle with them, you can avoid this proceeding. Debt help services can help you reduce credit card debt and find debt freedom.