Can I opt to pay the creditor instead of the collector?

If you have received a call from a collector, most likely your debts are at least 60 days past due. And your creditor has already sold off your debt to a collector. Now you have to negotiate with the collector only.

Of course you can as long as the creditor is ready to negotiate with you. But since you have a good relation with your creditor, you can take a chance. Inform the collector that you wish to negotiate with the creditor straightway. Usually, it's better to negotiate with creditors instead of the debt collector.

Irrespective of whether you negotiate with the creditor or the debt collector, keep patience and try to convince what you want to. If you're negotiating for settlement, explain your financial situation and try to reduce the payoff amount.

You can. If your past payment record is good, then the creditor can agree to the settlement proposal or an extended payment plan