Printable worksheet
Creditor Hardship Call Worksheet
Prepare before calling the verified number on your statement. Do not write full account numbers, SSNs, passwords, or bank login information on this sheet.
Use your browser’s print command for a paper copy.
Information to gather
- Current balance, APR, minimum, due date, and account status
- Monthly take-home income and essential expenses
- A sustainable payment amount and expected hardship duration
- Recent issuer letters or secure messages
Explain the hardship
- What changed and when?
- Is the change temporary, uncertain, or long-term?
- When could a modified payment begin?
- What amount can be paid without missing essentials?
Questions to ask
- Are temporary and long-term hardship arrangements available?
- What are the payment, APR, fees, start date, and duration?
- Will the card be frozen or closed?
- How will the account and payments be reported?
- What happens after a missed program payment or when the period ends?
- Can you send every material term in writing?
Call notes
- Date, time, verified number, representative, and reference number
- Options offered and options denied
- Amounts, dates, rates, fees, and account treatment
- Documents promised and expected delivery date
Confirmation and follow-up
- Compare the written terms with your notes
- Do not authorize a payment that exceeds the budget
- Save the agreement and payment confirmation
- Calendar review dates and the program end date
- Escalate discrepancies through the issuer’s official process