Letter to Creditors Requesting That They Forgive Debt - Sample Template Letter (2024)

FAQs

How do I write a forgiveness letter to a creditor? ›

I respectfully request that you forgive my alleged debt, as my condition precludes any employment, and my current and future income does not support any debt repayment. Please respond to my request in writing to the address below at your earliest convenience. Thank you in advance for your understanding of my situation.

Unfortunately, my circ*mstances are unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future and I have no assets to sell to help clear my debt. I am therefore asking you to consider writing off my debt as I can see no way of ever repaying it. If you are unable to agree to this, please explain your reasons.

Most credit card companies don't grant debt forgiveness unless you're many years past due on your outstanding debt. Even then, you should have at least a portion of your debt ready to pay as a lump-sum amount, since most companies won't forgive all of the debt you owe.

Pay-for-delete letter example

I am (your full name), and I have an account with you (account number). I am reaching out today with a request to pay (dollar amount) in exchange for removing the debt from all credit reporting agencies. If an agreement is reached, I will pay this amount by (date of payment).

For example, if a borrower took out $13,000 in loans, they would be eligible for debt cancellation after 11 years in repayment. Under Public Service Loan Forgiveness, borrowers in public service for 10 years who have made 120 months of qualifying payments can get their remaining student debt canceled.

I truly believe that it doesn't reflect my creditworthiness and commitment to repaying my debts. It would help me immensely if you could give me a second chance and make a goodwill adjustment to remove the late [payment/payments] on [date/dates]. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope you'll approve my request.

I am requesting that you accept payments of $______________paid on the__________. I assure you that I will add no further debt until my financial situation improves. I will begin making normal payments again as soon as possible. I regret that I have to ask for this consideration and hope that you will understand.

When writing a debt settlement agreement letter, it is essential to be clear and concise. Make sure to include all the necessary information, such as the debt owed, the settlement amount, the terms of the agreement, and the date. Include the contact information of both parties in the letter.

The most common forms of debt relief are debt consolidation, debt settlement and bankruptcy. To decide which debt relief option is best, evaluate how it'll impact your credit score and long-term financial health.

Do creditors ever forgive debt? ›

Credit card companies rarely forgive your entire debt. But you might be able to settle the debt for less and get a portion forgiven. Most credit card companies won't provide forgiveness for all of your credit card debt. But they will occasionally accept a smaller amount to settle the balance due and forgive the rest.

Tell the Truth and Keep a Consistent Story

Make a list of the reasons you've fallen behind in payments. Debt often results from hardships such as job loss, divorce, medical bills. Put them down on paper to use as a reference when you're negotiating a debt settlement with a creditor.

A Section 609 dispute letter allows consumers to request verification of accounts on their credit reports. If the disputed information cannot be verified within 30 to 45 days, the credit bureaus must remove it from your credit history.

You can ask the creditor — either the original creditor or a debt collector — for what's called a “goodwill deletion.” Write the collector a goodwill letter explaining your circ*mstances and why you would like the debt removed, such as if you're about to apply for a mortgage.

Debts may be canceled in a variety of ways, including through negotiations between the creditor and the debtor, debt relief programs, and personal bankruptcy. Debts forgiven by a creditor are generally considered taxable income.

Explain your current situation. Tell them your family income is reduced and you are not able to keep up with your payments. Frankly discuss your future income prospects so you and your creditors can figure out solutions to the problem.

Because my income has dropped considerably I can no longer afford the terms of the original loan. As a loyal customer of your financial institution, I'd like to ask for the following: ▪ A lower interest rate amount of NO MORE THAN 6% ▪ Accept lower payments of $ _________ per month.

A goodwill letter is a formal request asking the credit bureau to remove a closed account from your credit report as a courtesy. Politely ask the credit bureaus to remove the account to improve your credit score.