> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.younegotiate.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Expired Negotiations > Background rules for expiring accepted agreements when consumers do not activate payment setup in time. ## Developer Rule An Expired Negotiation occurs when a settlement agreement or payment plan agreement has been accepted by both parties, but the consumer fails to complete required payment method setup before the agreement activation deadline. Expired Negotiations are managed automatically by the YouNegotiate platform. ## Includes * Settlement Agreements * Payment Plan Agreements * Add Payment Method Status * Automatic Expiration Processing * New Offer Reinstatement ## Negotiation Activation Rule After a settlement agreement or payment plan agreement is accepted, the account enters: Add Payment Method Status. The consumer must complete payment method setup before the agreement activation deadline. ### Purpose: Activate the settlement agreement or payment plan. ## Expired Negotiation Rule A negotiation becomes an Expired Negotiation when: * The agreement has been accepted * Payment method setup is required * The consumer fails to complete payment method setup before the activation deadline ### Purpose: Prevent accepted agreements from remaining indefinitely inactive. Diagram showing payment method activation, agreement expiration, account expiration processing, and new offer reinstatement ## Account Expiration Processing If the account has reached its expiration date: * The negotiation expires * The account becomes eligible for account expiration processing * The account is automatically closed according to expiration date rules ### Purpose: Honour creditor-defined account expiration requirements. ## New Offer Reinstatement Rule If the account does not have an active expiration date restriction: * The Expired Negotiation is closed * The account is returned to New Offers status * The consumer may submit a new response or begin a new negotiation ### Purpose: Allow consumers to re-engage without requiring creditor intervention. ## Consumer Status Rule Expired Negotiations must not create: * Active Payment Plans * Scheduled Settlements * Active Payment Activity The agreement remains inactive until a new negotiation is completed. ## Key Rule Accepted agreements are not considered active until the consumer successfully completes payment method setup. Failure to complete payment method setup before the activation deadline results in an Expired Negotiation. ## Final Developer Rule Expired Negotiations occur when an accepted settlement agreement or payment plan agreement is not activated through payment method setup. If the account remains eligible for consumer activity, the account returns to New Offers status. If the account has reached its expiration date, the account follows standard expiration processing rules.