CIBC collections

The majority of Canadian banks have an in-house collections department and accounts are typically only sold to a 3rd party collection agency once the bank has determined that the chance of them receiving payment on the balance is very unlikely.

Most credit card accounts are systematically closed by the creditor after the customer has gone 3 months late. Some banks will allow for the account to be reopened once the customer has demonstrated a good repayment history over the course of 6 to 9 months. On the other hand, some banks will require that the customer 'applies' for the account to be reopened which means that it will be subject to credit approval. (Meaning they will do a new credit check) If the customer is showing any signs of financial stress on his credit bureau (i.e. maxed out accounts, increase in debt, late payments on other accounts, etc..) the request may be declined.

If they are telling him to make the minimum payment, he must understand that they want him to make at least the minimum every month(for 6 months) without missing another payment. If he is at or over the limit, the minimum payment is not sufficient and he will have to make larger payments to bring himself in good standing before they can consider reinstating his account.