Skip to content

Licensing

Top 4 Characteristics of Collection Agents

← All articles
Filed under Licensing

Is your agency planning on hiring a collection agent? How do you ensure you've found the right person for the job?

A recent ACA International survey showed what specific characteristics and skills collection agencies are looking for in potential candidates. These are characteristics of a collection agent that's going to succeed at their job and add value to your business.

Top 4 characteristics of an effective collection agent

  1. Integrity
  2. Honesty
  3. Patience
  4. Politeness

There were a few other important skills listed, including active listening and service orientation. Both of which are very important when it comes to the collections industry.

Collection Agent

The CFPB is stepping up their scrutiny of companies in the ARM industry in order to find non-compliance. Integrity, honesty, patience and politeness are keys to building a relationship with the consumer in order to work out a payment plan, all without appearing manipulative, unfair or deceptive.

Set yourself (and your team!) up for success this year. Make sure your new hires possess these characteristics, and you'll be closer to finding the right additions to your team.

For more information, contact Cornerstone Support.

Found This Useful? Let's Get You Set Up.

Start an application and an expert will tailor the next steps to your situation.

Related reading

Maryland Rent Collection in 2026: 7 Licensing Risks Property Managers Must Avoid

Licensing

Maryland Rent Collection in 2026: 7 Licensing Risks Property Managers Must Avoid

Property managers in Maryland are running into a question that is getting more attention and creating real operational risk. Does collecting rent, especially when a tenant is past due, trigger Maryland's collection agency licensing requirements?

Licensing Challenges for Mortgage Servicers

Licensing

Licensing Challenges for Mortgage Servicers

Mortgage servicers play a central role in the housing finance system. They collect borrower payments, manage escrow accounts, respond to customer inquiries, and step in with loss mitigation or foreclosure processes when borrowers fall behind. Servicers act as the day-to-day managers of loans after origination, ensuring that cash flows properly between borrowers and investors. Since [...]

The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Debt Collection for Startups and Small Businesses

Licensing

The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Debt Collection for Startups and Small Businesses

Cash flow is the lifeblood of every startup. When customers delay or default on payments, even the most innovative ideas can stall. Founders often face a critical challenge: Should we collect overdue invoices ourselves, or hand them off to a third-party debt collection agency? Outsourcing debt collection - sometimes called debt recovery outsourcing - has become increasingly common for [...]

To Outsource or In-Source? The Top 5 Questions to Ask When Considering Outsourced Compliance Licensing

Licensing

To Outsource or In-Source? The Top 5 Questions to Ask When Considering Outsourced Compliance Licensing

The Top 5 Questions to Ask When Considering Outsourced Compliance Licensing Companies in heavily regulated industries are often surprised at the breadth and complexity of their compliance requirements, especially licensing and the tasks related to licensing. After working through the registration or licensing process in their own state, the idea of obtaining and maintaining licensing [...]

Trends and Challenges in the Debt Buying Industry

Licensing

Trends and Challenges in the Debt Buying Industry

The debt buying industry keeps the financial system liquid by helping lenders recover unpaid debts. As the sector changes, it faces several trends and challenges. This article covers what debt collectors, debt buyers, accounts receivables management professionals, directors of risk, and compliance directors need to know.

Two of USA's Largest Population States are Closing in on Collection Legislation

Licensing

Two of USA's Largest Population States are Closing in on Collection Legislation

California (40 million residents) and New York (20 million residents) have taken steps in 2020 to introduce legislation leading to regulation and licensure of collection agencies. Each state under predominantly Democrat leadership will look to implement strong regulatory controls. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has been advised by Richard Cordray, the former Director of the [...]

Browse the full insights library, meet our editorial team, or download our whitepapers.

Insights

Found This Useful? Let's Get You Set Up.

An expert will respond within one business day.