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Most people have some credit card debt, and if there are unexpected events in their lives that affect their finances, their ability to repay their credit card debt may be affected.
In many cases, if the consumer clearly and politely explains their situation to the credit card company with a hardship letter, there is a good chance the credit card company will go easier on its debt collection efforts and may even reduce the amount the consumer needs to pay.
Customer Service
The consumer can call the customer service desk of the credit card company and ask if there are any procedures for hardship cases. If so, the procedures should be followed, or the company may not honor the request.
If there are any forms to be completed, the hardship letter can be sent along with the forms. If there is no specific procedure, the customer service person may be able to give general directions on what to include in the letter and to whom it should be addressed.
Creditor Is Not Obligated To Help!
The letter is the consumer’s chance to explain his or her financial situation. Enough detail should be given so that the person reading it gets a clear picture, but too much detail will be tedious to read and may make the reader discard the letter.
The consumer needs to remember that the creditor is not obligated to help, but can be persuaded to help.
There are several things a credit card company can do to help when a consumer is having financial difficulties.
It can suspend late fees, lower interest rates, allow reduced payments for a specified period of time and suspend activity on the credit card while the consumer pays down the debt.
It is important that the consumer send the letter as soon as he or she is aware that they are in financial difficulty so that not too many months go by without making a payment.
For example, if they lose their job, are in an automobile accident and cannot work or face another legitimate reason for financial hardship, they should immediately inform the credit card company.
The following qualify as hardship:
- Loss of job for the consumer, his or her partner or spouse
- Medical bills
- Illness or accident that results in loss of pay
- Major damage to property because of a natural disaster
- Job relocation
- Death in the family
- Divorce or separation
- Decreased pay because of less working hours
- Military duty
- Incarceration
If the financial hardship will last for many months or a year, the consumer should consult a debt management counselor for help in how to handle his or her finances during a hard time. This will also encourage any creditors that the consumer is serious about paying his or her debts.
Some tips for writing a hardship letter:
- The letter should be no longer than one page
- The letter should clearly state that the consumer is willing to resolve the debt
- The letter should state the facts of the case clearly and objectively
- Any supporting documentation such as medical records or proof of loss of job should be included with the letter
- The letter should clearly propose a solution that the consumer faithfully agrees to follow
- The letter should thank the creditor for considering the request
- The letter should not be written in an overly dramatic, exaggerated tone
- The letter should not give promises that the consumer cannot keep
- The letter should not threaten the creditor with bankruptcy if the consumer does not receive help
Use Short Paragraphs
The letter should be written short paragraphs. The first paragraph should state the request and give a summary of the financial hardships.
The body of the letter can have one paragraph that gives more details about the consumer’s financial situation.
A second paragraph should give a solution to the problem. For example, a reduction in payments for six months, or a reduction in interest for a specified amount of time, that will make it possible for the consumer to continue making payments.
The concluding paragraph should thank the creditor for his or time and attention to the matter, and request action. For example, the conclusion may say the consumer looks forward to hearing from the creditor soon.
Contact information should be given in the concluding paragraph, so the creditor can ask any questions or clear any details. A list of enclosed documents such as death certificate, unemployment notices or medical records should be given after the signature.
Below are sample hardship letters for credit card debt. It is written in formal business letter style and should be sent by certified mail with a return requested.
Sample 1 – Hardship Letter For Credit Card Debt
Name of Consumer
Address of Consumer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Credit Card Company
Address of Credit Card Company
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Reduced Payment on Credit Card Number NUMBER
Dear Name of Creditor:
This letter is a formal request to reduce my monthly payments on the above credit card account.
I am temporally unemployed as I lost my job as a high school science teacher on DATE. However, I have a new job that starts in three months.
I am currently making $50 payments each month and respectfully request that my payments be reduced to $20 for four months until DATE, at which time I will continue making full payments. I also request that my credit score is not adversely affected by this.
I would appreciate your help in this matter, as I sincerely want to honor my debt and will faithfully resume regular payments at the above-mentioned time.
Thank you for your consideration of my request. If you have any questions, I can be reached at Phone Number or Email Address.
Sincerely,
Signature of Consumer
Printed Name of Consumer
Sample 2 – Hardship Letter For Credit Card Debt
Crystal Phillips
71 Comanche Lane
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
January 16, 2022
First One Credit Card
90890 Worthington-Galena Rd.
Worthington, Ohio 43081
Re: 4456-0987-0934-7687
To Whom It May Concern;
I am writing regarding the above listed credit card. As you can see from reviewing the records, this card is a few months past due. I had a perfect payment history until I lost my job about 4 months ago.
While I do receive unemployment, it is not nearly enough to pay the mounting debt I have. However, it is my desire to get this account current and to be in good standing.
My credit card is racking up tons of charges for late payments and interest. I want to close this account out but still make payments on it. Would it be acceptable to pay $50 a month until this bill is paid off?
I know that sometimes the credit card company can suspend the past due amounts, make the account current and put it on a payment plan.
Is this possible for my account? If not, I would be interested in anything that you could do to help.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss this account further. I can be reached anytime at [614-895-0345]. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Crystal Phillips
Sample 3 – Hardship Letter For Credit Card Debt
Subject: Credit Card Debt Settlement
Dear [NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am writing in regards to account [NUMBER] for which I owe [AMOUNT].
I cannot pay this amount as my family has fallen under hard time in recent months, but we do want to settle this in a fair and just manner so that you can have the money you deserve and we can be relieved of the burden of owing you this debt.
On [DATE], I spoke with [ENTER NAME OF PERSON ON PHONE] and he/she said that we could settle this debt for [ENTER 1/4 OF THE AMOUNT], which I can pay by check if you can please send me an agreement to this amount in writing.
Please know that I have appreciated the patience and professionalism that your staff has given in this process, and that this correspondence has been sent,
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]