How to Contact Creditors Before Missing a Payment

Prepare for a hardship call before a payment is late and document any options offered by the creditor.

Prepare for a hardship call before a payment is late and document any options offered by the creditor.

Call before the due date

Early contact may provide more options than waiting until the account is already delinquent.

Explain the specific hardship

State what changed, what you can currently afford, and when you expect the situation to improve.

Ask precise questions

Request details about reduced payments, due-date changes, fee waivers, temporary forbearance, interest, and credit reporting.

Get terms in writing

Record the representative, date, confirmation number, and written terms before relying on an arrangement.

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