How to dispute a credit report entry, stop debt collector calls, request debt validation, close a credit card, delete a credit report entry, report a billing error, optout of a higher interest rate, and challenge a debt's statute of limitations. Print our free sample credit and debt letters.
Our free sample letters will help you deal with creditors, lenders, collectors, credit bureaus, and other businesses.
Our sample letters include:
Dispute a credit report entry - Sample Credit Report Dispute Letter
Stop collector calls - Sample Cease and Desist Letter For Debt Collectors
Verify debt- Sample Debt Validation Letter For Debt Collectors
Close a credit card - Sample Letter For Closing Your Credit Card
To delete a credit report entry - Sample Pay for Delete Letter
Report billing error - Sample Credit Card Billing Error Dispute Letter
Optout of a higher interest rate - Sample Interest Rate Opt-Out Letter
Challenge age - Sample Statute of Limitations Letter for Debt Collectors
Tips for Sending Credit Letters
Whether your reason for sending a letter falls on that list, or you're sending a letter for a different reason, here are some guidelines to follow.
Send your letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. This will require a trip to the post office, but it's the smartest way to communicate with credit businesses. Sending your letter certified provides you with a postmark of the letter's mailing, along with a tracking number that you can use to see if the letter has been received. Then, the return receipt has the signature of the person who received the letter. The return receipt is a request and not a requirement, so there's a possibility that you might not receive it back. If that happens, you have additional proof of receipt through certified mail. The post office has the recipient's signature on file and you can request it if necessary.
Send copies of original receipts and other important documents. If you're making some kind of dispute, you'll probably have to provide proof that what you're disputing is incorrect. Always send copies of the proof and keep the originals for yourself. Unscrupulous businesses could alter the originals leaving you with little recourse for defending yourself.
Keep copies of everything you send. Whatever you send, make sure you keep a copy of it for your records. That includes the letter you send.
Get the correct mailing address. Some types of disputes have a time limit on them, like a billing error dispute or request for debt validation. If you don't send your dispute to the right mailing address, there could be a delay in processing your dispute that could negate your rights under certain credit laws (.e.g the Fair Credit Billing Act6 and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act7). Contact the business to make sure you have the address for sending correspondence (not payments).
Customize template and form letters. There are tons of sample letters out there that you can use rather than having to come up with your own letter. Make sure you read through the template letter and change the wording so that it fits your situation. Use templates from reputable sources and always proofread before printing and sending.
Follow up. Use your certified mail tracking number to make sure your letter has been received. Give the business time to respond to your letter, but follow up again in writing if you don't receive a response in a reasonable amount of time. When you follow up, make sure you reference your previous letter including the certified tracking number and the United States Postal Service says the letter was received.
Sending letters can be a powerful tool in dealing not only with with credit businesses, but businesses in general. Whenever you send a letter, make sure you follow these tips to get the best results.
Sample Credit Report Dispute Letter - Back to Letter Menu
This is a sample letter to request an update to; or a deletion of, inaccurate information on your credit report.
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address, City, State, Zip Code]
Complaint Department
[Name of Company]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear Sir or Madam:
I recently obtained a copy of my credit report from your agency and found the following item to be in error:
Item 1: I dispute [card name and account number]. This account has been paid in full.
I am requesting that the item be [removed, updated, or other suggested change] to correct the information.
Enclosed are copies of [use this statement if you have bank statements, cancelled checks, or other documentation] supporting my position. Please reinvestigate [this/these] matter[s] and [delete/correct] the disputed item[s] as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Enclosures: [List the documents you are enclosing. If none, do not include this section]. |
Sample Cease and Desist Letter For Debt Collectors - Back to Letter Menu
This is a sample cease and desist letter to stop debt collectors from calling you. Once the collector receives your letter, the FDPCA allows the collector to contact you one final time; in writing, to let you know what action; if any, the collector will take next.
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
[Debt Collector's Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
Re: Account Number [#####]
Dear Debt Collector:
Pursuant to my rights under federal debt collection laws, I am requesting that you cease and desist communication with me, as well as my family and friends, in relation to this and all other alleged debts you claim I owe.
You are hereby notified that if you do not comply with this request, I will immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the [your state] Attorney General's office. Civil and criminal claims will be pursued.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
Tip:
Send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of the letter's mailing and receipt.
Sample Debt Validation Letter For Debt Collectors - Back to Letter Menu
This is a sample letter to send to debt collectors to make them prove you owe money. Even if you owe money, if the debt collector is unable to provide written proof (such as a contract copy), then they cannot force you to repay the debt, nor list the unpaid debt on your credit report if you send them this letter.
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
[Debt Collector's Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
Re: Account Number [####}
Dear Debt Collector:
This letter is sent in response to [phone call/letter] received by you on [date]. Pursuant to my rights under federal debt collection laws, I am requesting that you provide validation of this debt. Note this is not a refusal to pay, but a request that your offices provide me with evidence that I have a legal obligation to pay you.
You are hereby notified that if you do not comply with this request, I will immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the [your state] Attorney General's office. Civil and criminal claims will be pursued.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
Sample Letter For Closing Your Credit Card - Back to Letter Menu
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
[Name of Creditor]
[Address]
[City, State Zip Code]
Re: Account Number: [####]
Dear Sir or Madam:
On [Date], I made a request by telephone to have my account closed. This letter confirms that request. Any updates to my credit report should reflect the account was closed at my request.
Please send confirmation the account was closed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
Sample Pay for Delete Letter - Back to Letter Menu
Use this letter to request debt collectors to remove a collection from your account in exchange for payment.
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State Zip]
[Collector's Name]
[Collector's Address]
[Collector's City, State Zip]
[Date]
Re: Account Number [####]
Dear Collection Manager:
This letter is in response to your [letter/call/credit report entry] on [date] related to the debt listed above. I wish to save us both some time and effort by settling this debt.
Please be aware that this is not an acknowledgment or acceptance of the debt, as I have not received any verification of the debt. Nor is this a promise to pay and is not a payment agreement unless you provide a response as detailed below.
I am aware that your company has the ability to report this debt to the credit bureaus as you deem necessary. Furthermore, you have the ability to change the listing since you are the information furnisher.
I am willing to pay [this debt in full / $#### as settlement for this debt] in return for your agreement to remove all information regarding this debt from the credit reporting agencies within ten calendar days of payment. If you agree to the terms, I will send certified payment in the amount of $#### payable to [Collection Agency] in exchange to have all information related to this debt removed from all of my credit files.
If you accept this offer, you also agree not to discuss the offer with any third-party, excluding the original creditor. If you accept the offer, please prepare a letter on your company letterhead agreeing to the terms. This letter should be signed by an authorized agent of [Collection Agency]. The letter will be treated as a contract and subject to the laws of my state.
As granted by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I have the right to dispute this alleged debt. If I do not receive your postmarked response within 15 days, I will withdraw the offer and request full verification of this debt.
Please forward your agreement to the address listed above.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
Tips:
Send the letter only if you have the ability to pay the full amount listed as soon as the collection agent agrees to your offer.
Send the letter and your followup payment via certified mail with return receipt requested.
Make sure you keep a copy of the letter for yourself.
Sample Credit Card Billing Error Dispute Letter - Back to Letter Menu
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
[Creditor's Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
Re: Account Number [####]
Dear Sir or Madam:
This letter is to dispute a billing error on my account in the amount of $[####]. The amount is inaccurate because [describe in detail why the amount is wrong, e.g. the merchandise was returned, late fee is incorrect, etc.].
I have enclosed copies of [describe any enclosed documentation, e.g. return receipt, cancelled check, etc.] to support my claim. Please correct this billing error as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
Sample Interest Rate Opt-Out Letter - Back to Letter Menu
Below is a letter you can use to opt-out of interest rate increases. This will allow you to payoff the existing balance at your current rate, but be aware that the issuer will not allow you to make further charges on the card and that you must close the account after paying off the balance.
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State Zip]
[Credit Card Issuer]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
Re: Account Number [####]
To Whom It May Concern:
On [date], I received a notice from you indicating an interest rate increase on the previously referenced account. Let this letter serve as my notification that I do not wish to pay the higher interest rate. I will continue paying my credit card balance at the current interest rate of 8.9%.
Please confirm in writing to the address listed above that I have been opted-out of the higher interest rate.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
Tips:
To be effective, your opt-out letter must be sent within 15 days of receiving notification of the rate increase or by the date listed on your rate increase notification.
Even if you opt-out by phone, it's a good idea to follow up with a letter so that you have proof of opting-out if the credit card issuer misplaces your phone opt-out.
Send your letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Ideally, you should obtain a certified mailing label from the post office prior to printing your letter. That way you can include the 20-digittracking number on the certified mailing receipt number in your letter for extra proof.
You can track the letter at USPS.com using the 20-digit tracking number on the certified mailing receipt. The return receipt will arrive in the mail a few days after the mail has actually been received.
Follow up with the credit card issuer to be sure your opt-out was processed and to find out if and when your account will be closed.
Sample Expired Statute of Limitations Letter for Debt Collectors - Back to Letter Menu
Federal law prevents debt collectors from suing you when the statute of limitations has passed on a debt. However, the law doesn't prevent collectors from continuing to contact you to collect the debt. Use this letter to let collectors know the statute of limitations has passed and you no longer wish to be contacted regarding the debt.
Items in brackets require attention, modification or data.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State Zip]
[Collector's Name]
[Collector's Address]
[Collector's City, State Zip]
Account Number: [####]
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is response to your [phone call on/letter dated] [date], concerning the above referenced account number.
I have checked with my State Attorney General and confirmed that the statute of limitations on this type of debt has expired. Therefore, if you choose to pursue this matter in court, I will be forced to show proof that the statute of limitations has expired.
Let this letter serve as notification that I do not wish to be contacted about this debt any further except to be notified that future collection efforts are terminated. Any other communication regarding this debt will be taken as a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] |
Tips:
Send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. That way you have proof of the letter's mailing and receipt. You can use this to file a complaint or lawsuit against the debt collector for further unlawful collection action.
Keep a copy of the letter for yourself.
Back to Letter Menu
