Pay for delete letter: Negotiate to remove negative listing

Submitted by Laura on Fri, 02/08/2008 - 06:27
Forums

What is a Pay for delete letter?

A Pay for delete agreement is normally made with the original creditor or a collection agency (CA) to remove an outstanding debt listing from your credit report.

If the name of the creditor or the CA gets listed in your credit report with a particular debt, you should first ask for debt validation by sending a Debt Validation (DV) letter to the creditor. Once your debt gets validated by the creditor, you need to send a Pay for delete letter.

A Pay for delete letter is sent as part of your negotiations with your creditor for a repayment plan to pay off your outstanding debt. If the creditor agrees to a Pay for deletion agreement, the negative listing gets removed from your credit report once the debt has been repaid in full. You should always get the Pay for delete agreement in writing so you have proof that the creditor agreed to delete the negative listing from your report, if they refuse to remove the negative item from your report after you pay off the debt.

Sample Pay for delete letter/Pay for deletion letter

Name of Collection Agency
Address of collection agency

Re: Collection Account for Original Creditor Account Number
Amount: $50.00

Dear Sir or Madam,

This is for your information that I am disputing validity of the debt referred to above. I am not aware of the account number and you have not informed me of the existence of this account.

I am willing to pay this account IN FULL (or a settlement percentage, whichever is feasible) if you agree to immediately delete the account from the credit reporting agencies (namely Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) that you have reported to, and validated this account. My sole purpose is to get this item removed from my file. This letter should not be interpreted as recognition of the debt or acknowledgment of liability for the debt.

If you accept the terms of this agreement, the certified amount of $50 will be sent to your collection agency provided there is complete deletion of any reference to the debt from my file on all the credit bureaus that you have reported to, and the debt is validated. As the full amount demanded will be paid back, there should not be any waiting period to delete this item from the reporting bureaus.

Your agency should delete all information regarding the account from my credit files within 10 business days from the receipt of the payment, as mentioned in this agreement. The terms of this agreement will not be discussed with anyone but the original creditor. No third party will be informed if contacted and no acknowledgment of the debt, any kind of payment, or settlement will be discussed if I am contacted by the Reporting Agencies.

Following the acceptance of the agreement, please prepare a letter on your company letter head unambiguously agreeing to the aforementioned terms and conditions and have it signed by your agency's authorized signatory. This letter will imply a legal contract, enforceable under my state law.

If I do not receive an approval letter within 15 days of your receipt of this letter, I will withdraw this offer.

Please communicate regarding this account to the address mentioned below.

Your Name
Your Address
State Zip Code

james curry (not verified)

how can charge offs be remove from credit profile?

Sat, 05/31/2014 - 02:40 Permalink
Shika (not verified)

the letter abovecmentions a $50 certification fee. Shoold I also include this in my letter?

Mon, 07/14/2014 - 12:01 Permalink
JImmy fortenberry (not verified)

Hi. I called a company called transworld they are a collection company. I offered to pay in full for deletion and they refused. I then ask for the the manager and he also refused

Wed, 07/23/2014 - 17:11 Permalink
Debra (not verified)

I am wondering if a debt was deemed marital debt during a divorce and a spouse was ordered to pay this debt, but hasn't, how does that work as far as validation of the debt goes? If the court document specifies that the spouse is required to pay certain debts although my name is on the debt can it be removed from my credit report? The reason I ask is that since my name is on the debt it can likely be validated as "mine", but my ex was required to pay those debts; therefore, they are technically "his". I hope that makes sense. Since my lawyer advised that I do not continue to pay on these debts (about 10 months ago) they are obviously "negatively" affecting "my" credit rating. How should I proceed? If you have any insight into this, I would greatly appreciate it.

Sun, 08/03/2014 - 13:34 Permalink
matzcrorkz (not verified)

Q57juD Muchos Gracias for your blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 02:30 Permalink
Eve Tatum (not verified)

I had my car repossessed. I paid the outstanding amount and my car was returned. Now my account is in charge off status. How can I get it financed through someone else or at least stop it from reporting as a charge off.

Mon, 12/08/2014 - 23:47 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Is bankruptcy better than a charge off? I am 5 payment behind in my car loan bc I lost my job. I am behind 1900.00 and they have charged off the total owed of 17,300.00. I Alison owe 900 to a credit card company. That is all of my debt but I have not yet found employment please advise

Wed, 01/14/2015 - 01:21 Permalink
Miranda Johhson (not verified)

I paid off my HSBC credit card five years ago and it still on my credit. how can I get this removed from my credit report

Thu, 03/05/2015 - 16:57 Permalink
Juan Sanchez (not verified)

My credit report shows that I have an outstanding balance. I don't have a credit card. It is very hard to get a good number HSBC bank. The 1-800-975-4722 does not help me at all. What I need is to talk to a representative.

Wed, 03/18/2015 - 23:47 Permalink
Esmeralda (not verified)

I have $11,000 dollars Medical/ Collections and $3,000 in other collections. I want to buy a house. If I pay and send out pay delete letters do you think my credit score will improve?

Thu, 03/19/2015 - 15:15 Permalink

Hi Carol,
I have a collection item on my credit reports from a Collection Company; (the original debtor is an electric company). The validation letter shows charges for services after I had moved and requested service termination. They refused to terminate the electric services until the account was paid in full which allowed the owners of the property to continue to use the electric that was billed to me.

My question is: Should I advise them of the portion that is not mine and offer to settle for the original amount less what was billed after my move? Or just request a settlement without giving that info. Or just pay in full for delete.

Thank you,
Kim

Sat, 03/21/2015 - 21:56 Permalink
Melissa Williams (not verified)

I never knew about the Pay for deletes. I have paid off many bills but they still say charged off. Is there anyway to get charge offs off your credit report before the 7 years?

Tue, 03/24/2015 - 16:19 Permalink
Robbie (not verified)

Hi Carol,
I had numerous surgeries since 2012 which set me back on all my debts due to not working. My lease was paid off in September 2014. Thre years Ago i applied for Social Security Disability Benefits. In March of this year it was confirmed that I would start receiving benefits between 30-60 days from March 6,2015. I have been in close communication with Ally Financial regarding the buy out of my car. This Friday I noticed on my credit report had the vehicle charged off. Which means it went to a collector. I don't want it repossessed, just want to pay it off. What would you suggest that I do?
Call ally and tell them that the money will be in soon and I will be paid off? Or wait until I get a notice from the collectors and negotiate with them the buy out?
Thank you
Respectfully,
Robbie

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 14:28 Permalink
Shelby Ervin (not verified)

What could you do if you get the written agreement for the deletion, you pay the amount and they do not remove the item. Im in NC.

Fri, 04/10/2015 - 20:26 Permalink
nichole (not verified)

how do you handle a judgment from march 2009 from midland funding. I'm currently trying to buy a house.

Sun, 04/12/2015 - 04:04 Permalink
Altoria Oliver (not verified)

I paid 2 property management companies through the fair outsourcing on a settlement offer I accepted those offer and paid in full the settlement amounts. These items still appears on my credit as unpaid. This information is hindering me from attaining a new rental property how can I get this information justified I have letters verifying payment and zero balances on these accounts.

Sun, 04/26/2015 - 12:23 Permalink
dluciano222@live.com (not verified)

When sending this letter to the collection agency, does the collection agency remove remove the original creditor's listing from the credit report as well?

Sat, 05/09/2015 - 15:00 Permalink
Marion Owen (not verified)

I was losing my home due to foreclosure and I had planned to file bankruptcy and so did not pay an amount owed on a credit card to a bank. They sued for and received a Judgment. They placed a lien on my house which was subsequently foreclosed on and now are again pursuing me for the full amount through their attorney. Is there a way I can offer the attorney a Pay for Delete on a percentage of the amount owed to close this matter? The amount is more than I have.

Tue, 05/12/2015 - 16:22 Permalink
Brianspencer (not verified)

After above is agreed how fast is collect removed from report

Wed, 06/03/2015 - 01:31 Permalink
Valerie (not verified)

My car loan got charged off a year ago. My car was never repossessed. The original creditor sent it to a collection agency, then to another collection agency. I was told that a charge off can't take place if I still have possession of the vehicle and legally it can come off my report. I want to ask for a settlement pay off so I can have the pink slip from the original creditor, not the collection agency through an attorney. Is this a good thing to do? Also, when charged off the amount was $10, 639 and the changed to $11, 369, which I imagined was an added repossession charge of over $600, for a vehicle that the original creditor didn't repossess.

Thu, 06/04/2015 - 09:32 Permalink
christopher mckinney (not verified)

hi I recently pulled my credit report only to find that the collector that I had an agreement with that if I paid off my collection they would take it off my credit report had not done so is there a letter I could send them asking them to sill do so

Wed, 06/10/2015 - 19:12 Permalink

I'm trying to find out if this can be done on a couple of late mortgage payments. I was always on time, yet experienced financial hardship. I didn't want to do a home loan modification because I was afraid it would ruin my credit, so I struggled through it. Just want to know what direction to take?

Sun, 06/14/2015 - 03:14 Permalink
SHAKLON (not verified)

I sent my DV letter Carol. so do I just wait for the collection agency?

Sat, 09/12/2015 - 21:04 Permalink
Kim Wilson (not verified)

When you pay off an outstanding account and they agree to delete is how much does your credit score raise.

Wed, 09/30/2015 - 16:38 Permalink
L (not verified)

Hi Carol,

I want to pay off all my debt, student loans, credit cards, and all.
I had personal issues, and did not want to be liable to pay for things I sent a former partner of mine money so those bills can be paid. I am ready to pay everything off, I just don't want to have everything on the credit report because I honestly sent money to have those things paid. I was 18, and too young to understand everything about credit. I have everything I need to settle all my bills, but I just want to know the best route to take.

Mon, 10/12/2015 - 02:47 Permalink
saul guerrero (not verified)

do these work. have they worked for you. give me tips on fixing my credit.

Tue, 12/08/2015 - 21:05 Permalink
Deme (not verified)

I received a judgement for a medical bill that was reported in 2010 for $480.80. I am a retired school teacher and cannot afford to make full payment. I responded to the judgement and to the lawyer explaining my situation but is willing to set up a payment plan to pay 25% of the bill. I can't afford to hire a lawyer...please advise.

Tue, 12/22/2015 - 00:46 Permalink
Christine Robison (not verified)

Around a year ago I was looking into the many different ways I could gain financing to purchase a home. Unfortunately, I did not realize until too late each request for financing resulted in a hard inquiry on my credit report. Since I never proceeded with financing (no sale), can these inquiries be removed from my credit history, and if so, how long after they appeared, with no sale involved, can I petition for their removal?

Sun, 02/14/2016 - 15:40 Permalink
sealifecreatio… (not verified)

I spoke to a medical collections company. about a pfd. and they said they don't mail out letter for Pay for Delete, but they said they agreed to do a Pay for Delete and the conversation was being recorded. Can a recorded conversation stand proof that they must do the pay for delete if the payment is made. We both live in Alabama, where it is legal for us to record

Thu, 03/03/2016 - 13:19 Permalink
Haydee Rojas (not verified)

I made an agreement with a collection agency to pay off balance, we did all in timely matter, less than a year, they promised that this was not going to be reflected in our credit , but when we finalized payment they when an report to credit bureau anyways. How can I fight this back? Thank you

Sat, 04/09/2016 - 15:06 Permalink
DEBRAMAC1207@Y… (not verified)

I have had bad debt for a while now. I went through a bad divorce moved and tried to start over. I thought I was on the upswing but got sick had medical bills and it just never occurred. I have since been out of work for two years and was granted SSDI. I have a small amt. of money coming to me and want to fix my credit so I can buy the house I live in and feel secure and settle. What is the best way to get this done. How long does it take to get my score up? I am current at 536 :>(. Thanks for any help you can give.

Debra Pierce

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 12:54 Permalink
tcra88 (not verified)

The lender placed a charge off on my automobile after 90 days past due. The payment history clearly shows that I was not. I contacted the lender to ask for it to be removed. They have refused. The lender never contacted me about the charge off yet they say that they have logged history of calling me and mailings. The address they mailed to is an old address from 3 years ago and my invoices are sent to my email address.

Since the call, I was told that my account where it was current is now 89 days past due because they (SANTANDER) discovered that they had aged my account is error. My balance has not changed since making payments over the last 9 months as every payment is going towards interest. According to them, it is because I have yet to be current on a payment even if I make them within that month and because my loan is a simple interest loan everyday interest accrues and is doubled or tripled for the months that I am behind. I do not see a way to overcome this.

Yesterday, I filed bankruptcy as I do not see any other way to get from underneath this awful loan from SANTANDER. I have 30 days to confirm the bankruptcy but really do want to save my credit and the car.

Any suggestions?

Sun, 04/24/2016 - 18:56 Permalink
Gary Steinberger (not verified)

what is the best method to get a creditor to remove a charge off/paid less than balance and late payments in 2011, trying to get a refinance and this is only negative mark

Sun, 05/01/2016 - 21:44 Permalink
Lucy Lafontaine (not verified)

Good morning Carol,

I don't know if you can help me solved this problem on my Credit Bureau.

Last year my ex husband stop the mortgage payment on our house while he was living there but I was not. I called the Bank of Montreal try to explain them that in my (Divorce) paper he was responsible until Jan 2016 to pay the mortgage every month. I have faxed them all copies of my Divorce paper to try to remove them (creditor) from my Credit Bureau, they refused...Can you help me, thank you

Regards,

Lucy
Email address: rainbowindigobleu@hotmail.com
I tried to registered with Creditmagic and its not working. I am giving you my email address instead.

Fri, 05/06/2016 - 11:01 Permalink
Antonia Kittrell (not verified)

Hi Carol,

I am trying to get a pre-approval for a home. I noticed on my credit card many of my debts have been paid. I was informed some debt must stay for 7 years. Can I still write the original creditor and ask them to remove the debt? I only have 3 major bills and are current. I have college loans in deferment due to obtaining another degree. Please advise.

Thank you.

Antonia

Sat, 05/07/2016 - 14:14 Permalink
Dcptrailer (not verified)

I have a recreational vehicle financed through Santander and fell behind in payments a few years back. They threatened to charge off the vehicle and repossess if I didn't bring my account current. I paid the balance owed to become current. I then saw on my credit a charge off for the vehicle but I am still paying on the loan and the vehicle has not been repossesed and is not out for repossession. I called Santander and they said that it was charged off but they let me keep the collateral as long as I pay the loan. This is ruining my credit and I don't understand how are agreement was broken. What do I do to get the charge off reversed?

Sat, 05/28/2016 - 00:22 Permalink
Trayce (not verified)

what is the fastest way to remove a medical bill that is 2 years old in the amt of 1900.00. i cannot afford to pay it off all at once, but i need if off asap to purchase a home

Fri, 06/17/2016 - 02:16 Permalink
justasking (not verified)

i notice that the letter stated that i you dont admit to the debt. what if i did admit to it already verbally (since all calls are recorded). but the debt collector still agreed to delete it. would this still hold up?

Sun, 07/03/2016 - 16:04 Permalink
blueice516 (not verified)

Hi,
I am trying to get a mortgage and when my credit was pulled I saw an Advanta charge off account. the DLA is 06/2010.
lender wants me to have removed or paid.
Since the statute of limitation is expired, what is the best way to have this removed?
I was thinking of a pay of delete? The amount that is owed is 1305 but they said they will settle for 520 and mark it as settled in the credit report.
should i go for this or try the pay for delete?
Advice is appreciated!
thank you!

Tue, 07/05/2016 - 19:21 Permalink
Antonia gonzalez (not verified)

How can remove the charge off account

Sun, 07/24/2016 - 01:47 Permalink
Karin (not verified)

Hey carol so if i owe 3000 in a tmobile phone company inpay the bill and send this letter and send money fpr a pay for delete ?

Wed, 08/17/2016 - 18:32 Permalink
Taylor (not verified)

How do I remove paid debt off of my credit report?

Thu, 09/15/2016 - 16:33 Permalink
Kesha (not verified)

Hi I have a account that I was willing to negotiate with the collection agency but they won't agree to give me a deletion what should I do? I did do this verbally not a written statement.

Thu, 09/15/2016 - 21:28 Permalink
victor2312 (not verified)

how can I remove a late payment and account that is close but have balance and is reporting as negative

Thu, 12/15/2016 - 04:32 Permalink
kaleigh lately (not verified)

Hello my name is Kaleigh and currently i'm trying to repair my credit. i'm really confused as to the best route for me to take because i keep hearing that paying the actual accounts that are in collections are not helping and could potentially hurt my score. with that being said, what would be the best course of action for me to take. thanks

Mon, 01/09/2017 - 15:31 Permalink
orfelina (not verified)

Last payment on my car was 2013. I tried to update my credit report, and 4 years later they turned the debt into a charge off. Is that within the statute of limitations in California? I thought they only have 180 days to report a bad loan as a charge off from date of last payment. Please clarify?

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 05:34 Permalink
moumdiamina@gm… (not verified)

hi
i m ready pay of to many creditor but sill in my
credit report open how i can remove it from credit score

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 17:57 Permalink