Credit Card Hardship Call Script.
What to ask a credit card issuer before you fall further behind, including hardship plans, fee waivers, lower APRs, and written terms.
Quick Answer
Call the card issuer before the account charges off if minimum payments are becoming unrealistic. Ask what hardship options exist, how the account will be reported, whether fees or APR can be reduced, whether the card will be closed or restricted, and how to get the terms in writing.
Before The Call
Write down four numbers:
- Current balance
- APR
- Minimum payment
- The payment you can realistically make without skipping essentials
Then decide what you are asking for. Common requests include a lower APR, waived late fee, reduced minimum payment, due-date change, temporary hardship plan, or short-term payment pause.
Script
Use plain language:
I am trying to keep this account from falling further behind. My income or expenses changed, and the current minimum payment is not workable. What hardship options are available, and how would each option affect fees, interest, account status, credit reporting, and card access?
Then ask:
- Is this a temporary hardship plan or permanent account change?
- What exact payment is due each month?
- Will interest continue, stop, or be reduced?
- Will late fees or over-limit fees be waived?
- Will the account be closed, suspended, or restricted?
- How will the issuer report the account to the credit bureaus?
- Can you send the terms in writing before I agree?
What Not To Do
Do not give a payment promise you cannot keep. Do not let a third-party debt relief caller charge an upfront fee or enroll you without reviewing your budget. The FTC warns that upfront-fee debt relief offers and guaranteed-result claims are red flags.
If a collector is already involved, switch to the collector validation checklist before discussing payment.
