If you are a consumer who has fallen behind on a bank loan, you may be able to negotiate a bank debt settlement that will be beneficial to both parties. In the midst of the current economic crisis, there are both positive and negative factors that may impact your ability to reach a debt settlement agreement with your bank. On the positive side, many financial institutions are reeling from the loss of revenue and are willing to be flexible if it means collecting a reasonable proportion of the original loan amount. However, on the other hand, some banks may have less latitude to negotiate than they did in the past and may be leery of missing out on the future revenue associated with your account. Furthermore, if your debt is a secured loan, such as for an auto or home mortgage, it is unlikely that your bank will accept a settlement without first going through the legal process of collecting on your account or repossessing your property.