A method for the online settling of a transaction in which network communications are established between a user, such as a debtor, and a server is presented. The method comprises receiving information, at the server, regarding the transaction, seeking available information pertinent to the transaction from at least one source external to the server and the user, processing data from the available information using a rules based engine including rules established on behalf of a party to the transaction located at the server, and presenting a transaction settlement offer set to the user based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine. While online, the user/debtor may accept one of the offers or engage in further approved negotiation of other offers.