Got a collections account dragging down your credit score? A pay for delete letter might help you get it removed—if the collector agrees. This strategy gives you a chance to negotiate payment in exchange for removing a negative item from your credit report.
In this article, you’ll learn how pay for delete works, when it’s worth trying, and how to write an effective letter. You’ll also find sample templates you can customize for your situation.
Note: Credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion discourage pay for delete practices. Newer credit scoring models such as FICO 9 and VantageScore 3.0 already ignore paid collections. Still, many lenders use older models—and some debt collectors are willing to make a deal.
What is a ‘pay for delete’ letter?
A pay for delete letter is a written request asking a debt collector to remove a negative account from your credit report in exchange for payment. It’s a negotiation tactic—you’re offering money, and in return, they agree to delete the collection account. It doesn’t always work, but some collectors are willing to make the trade.
Does pay for delete still work in 2025?
Pay for delete letters still work in some situations, but they’re not as effective as they used to be. Newer credit scoring models like FICO 9 and VantageScore 3.0 already ignore paid collections, which means paying the debt may help your credit score even if it’s not deleted.
However, many lenders still use older models that factor in collections—even paid ones. Some collectors also continue to honor pay for delete agreements, especially if it means getting a lump-sum payment. Results can vary depending on the agency, the account, and your approach.
When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Send a Pay for Delete Letter
Sending a pay for delete letter can help your credit in the right situation, but it’s not always the right move.
When It Makes Sense
- Debt is still on your credit report – If it’s showing up, it may be hurting your score.
- You can afford a lump-sum payment – Collectors are more likely to agree if they get paid quickly.
- You’re applying for credit soon – Removing a collection could help you qualify.
- It’s a small or older debt held by a third-party collector – These accounts are often negotiable.
When to Skip It
- The account is about to fall off – Most collections drop off your credit report after seven years.
- It’s no longer being reported – Paying won’t improve your credit if it’s already gone.
- You can’t afford to settle – Don’t stretch your budget to make a deal.
- It’s with an original creditor unlikely to negotiate – Banks and credit card companies usually won’t remove accurate negative items.
How to Send a Pay for Delete Letter
If you want to try a pay for delete, follow these steps:
- Check who owns the debt – Look at your credit report to see which collection agency has the account.
- Write a letter offering a payment in exchange for deletion – Be clear about what you want: full removal from all three credit bureaus.
- Ask for written confirmation before you send any money – Never pay without a signed agreement on company letterhead.
- Pay by money order or cashier’s check – This keeps things simple and leaves a paper trail.
- Keep records of everything – Save copies of the letter, confirmation, proof of payment, and mail receipts.
Sample Pay for Delete Letter Templates
Below are two sample letters you can use to request a pay for delete agreement. These are only templates, so be sure to update them with your specific account details and write in your own words where possible. A personalized letter is more likely to get a response.
Keep a copy for your records, and don’t send payment until you receive written confirmation from the collection agency.
{Your Full Name}
{Your Address}
{City, State ZIP Code}
{Date}
Collection Agency Name
Agency Address
City, State ZIP Code
Account Number: [Insert Account Number]
Original Creditor: [Insert Creditor Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I’m contacting you about the above-referenced account. While I do not admit responsibility for this debt, I am willing to offer payment in exchange for your agreement to remove this account from my credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
If you agree to the following terms, I will pay $[Insert Amount] via certified funds:
- Your agency will delete all references to this account from my credit reports.
- The account will not be marked as “settled” or “paid collection.”
- The debt will not be resold or transferred.
This offer is good for 30 days. If you accept, please send me a written agreement on company letterhead signed by an authorized representative. Once I receive the letter, I will send payment.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name – do not sign]
{Your Full Name}
{Your Address}
{City, State ZIP Code}
{Date}
Collection Agency Name
Agency Address
City, State ZIP Code
Account Number: [Insert Account Number]
Original Creditor: [Insert Creditor Name]
Amount Listed on Credit Report: $[Insert Amount]
Dear [Collection Agency Name],
I am writing about the debt you claim I owe on the above-referenced account. Although I dispute ownership of this debt, I am willing to resolve the matter by offering a payment in exchange for your agreement to permanently remove the account from all credit reports.
Here are the terms of my offer:
- You agree to delete all references to this debt from my credit reports with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- You will not mark the account as “settled,” “paid in full,” or “paid collection.”
- This payment will resolve the account in full, with no further collection activity.
- You will not transfer or sell the account to any other agency.
If you agree to these terms, I will send $[Insert Amount] via money order or cashier’s check. I require your agreement in writing on company letterhead before any payment is made.
Please note this is not a renewed promise to pay. This is a one-time offer to resolve this issue if the terms above are met.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name – do not sign]
What to Do If They Reject Your Offer
If the collection agency says no, you still have options.
- Try again with a better offer – They might say yes to a higher payment.
- Ask for a settlement without deletion – It won’t remove the account, but it could update the status to “paid,” which some lenders prefer to see.
- Use a debt validation letter – If you’re not sure the debt is legit, ask them to prove it.
- Dispute the item if it’s inaccurate or unverifiable – Credit bureaus must remove it if the collector can’t confirm the details.
- Consider hiring a credit repair company – If this process feels overwhelming, a professional credit repair company can help deal with the collectors for you.
Can you send a pay for delete letter to the original creditor?
Pay for delete letters typically only work with collection agencies. Most original creditors—like banks, credit card issuers, or lenders—won’t agree to delete accurate negative items. Once an account is charged off and sold to collections, your best shot is with the debt collector.
Other Tools to Repair Your Credit
A pay for delete letter is just one method. Depending on your situation, these tools can also help:
- Dispute inaccurate information – Remove errors from your credit report through the credit bureaus.
- Send a debt validation letter – Make the collector prove they have the right to collect.
- Send a goodwill letter – Ask the original creditor to remove a late payment out of courtesy.
- Work with a credit repair company – Let a professional handle disputes and negotiations for you.
Need help with pay for delete agreements?
Sending a pay for delete letter can feel like a hassle—especially if you’re dealing with multiple collections or not sure what to say. That’s where a trusted credit repair company can step in.
If you’d rather not deal with collectors yourself, companies like Credit Saint can handle the back-and-forth for you. They’ve helped thousands of people remove collections, charge-offs, and other negative items from their credit reports.
You can get a free credit consultation to see what they can do in your situation. Just fill out a quick form on their site to get started.
Ready to Repair Your Credit?
Learn how to get help disputing errors on your credit report that could be hurting your credit score.
Final Thoughts
A pay for delete letter won’t fix everything, but it can be a smart way to deal with collections that are still hurting your credit. If a collector agrees to remove the account in exchange for payment, it could give your credit score a meaningful boost—especially if the account is recent or unpaid.
Just remember, you’ll need their agreement in writing before sending any money. And if they won’t budge, you still have other tools to work with. Whether you send a dispute letter, request debt validation, or hire a credit repair company to handle it for you, there’s more than one way to clean up your credit report and move forward.
