how to get a TOP SECRET clearance with Delinquent Debt?

I have 3k worth of delinquent debt... and I'm trying to join the Navy. I was gonna pay off my entire debt with my sign on bonus, but I won't qualify for the job I want with any delinquent debt. The debt is on a credit card from Bank of America. What can I do to get rid of this debt? Are there any Navy Loopholes around this debt? Is there any other solution I might not know of?

Public Comments

1. Sorry to tell you-- chances are you won't get the clearance. However, if your scores are good enough and the needs of the Navy in your job of choice are high enough... they COULD write a waiver. I'm not sure how likely that is, though.
2. You would have to clear up the delinquencies first and then have a good payment history for several years to demonstrate that you have changed your handling of credit. You won't be given secret or top secret clearance right now. Credit is the single largest category of clearance denials.
3. The best thing for you to do is call BOA and try to work something out. If your lucky and able to set up a payment plan make sure you pay it on time. With that said pull up your credit report on Experian you can then try to contest the negative credit that's on their. Now once you do that if the credit bureau doesn't here a response back from BOA with in a certain amount of time then they'lll take it off BUUUUUUUUUT about 95% of the time your creditors will answer to it but hey doesn't hurt to try right. (Personal Experience) One night I was checking my credit and one of my credit cards that I had made late payments on was showing up as delinquent so I contested it and they took it off just my dumb luck I don't know but I made sure I paid it off afterwards You also might want to wait until you have this cleared up and paid off before you join if you want that MOS or find another job with in the Navy enlist and work off your dept once its time for you to reenlist you can try to get that first job you wanted.
4. you don't. you have to pay it off the old fashioned way. no loopholes and any bonuses are not paid out until successful completion of all training anyway.
5. I've had the same problem. It sucks !!!
6. $3k is a small debt. If you are actively paying it and have a plan, you will be able to get a TS clearance. When you fill out the paperwork, you need to note the debt and that you have a plan to pay it off (using bonuses, plus a percentage of pay and it will be paid off in X months after enlisting). If you give a good plan, that will be more favorable when your clearance is adjudicated. The military is looking to see if you honor your debts/obligations. Do you take contracts and promises seriously? Having debt is ok. You need to do everything possible to become current on the payments.