The Investor’s Guide to Buying Consumer Debt Buying consumer debt—such as unpaid credit card balances, medical bills, or auto loans—involves purchasing "charged-off" accounts from original creditors at a significant discount. Investors aim to profit by collecting more than the purchase price, which can be as low as of the debt's face value. 1. Establish Your Business Entity
: Register for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) via the IRS. how to buy consumer debt
Entry costs vary depending on the "vintage" (age) and type of debt. The Investor’s Guide to Buying Consumer Debt Buying
: While some small batches can be found for $1,000 to $10,000 , institutional-grade operations often require $7 million to $15 million in working capital for their first 18 months. Establish Your Business Entity : Register for a
: Form an LLC or S Corp to protect personal assets and provide the legal standing required by sellers.
: Many states require debt buyers to be licensed and bonded before they can legally attempt to collect. 2. Secure Capital
: Expect to spend 60–70% of your budget on the debt itself, with the remainder covering compliance, legal fees, and technology. 3. Find Debt Portfolios Accessing quality debt requires specialized channels. Debt Buyers - NCDOJ
