Pay for Delete
Negotiate with creditors to remove negative items from your credit report
📑 What's Covered
Pay-for-delete is a powerful credit repair strategy where you negotiate with creditors or collection agencies to remove negative items from your credit report in exchange for payment. When done correctly, it can boost your credit score by 50-150 points instantly.
⚠️ Critical Warning
Always get the deletion agreement IN WRITING before making any payment. Verbal promises are worthless, and many collectors will take your money without removing the negative mark.
📊 Pay-for-Delete Overview
✅ When Pay-for-Delete Works Best:
- Collections under $1,000
- Medical collections (highest success rate)
- Debt 2+ years old
- Original creditor already charged off
- Collection agencies (not original creditors)
- You can pay lump sum immediately
🔧 How Pay-for-Delete Works
Verify the Debt
Confirm the debt is valid, within statute of limitations, and actually yours. Request debt validation if unsure.
Contact the Right Party
Determine who owns the debt - original creditor or collection agency. Check your credit report for current owner.
Make Initial Offer
Start at 25% of the debt amount. Never admit the debt is yours - use "alleged debt" language.
Negotiate Terms
Work toward middle ground. Be prepared to go up to 40-50% for deletion vs. just "paid" status.
Get Written Agreement
Secure deletion agreement on company letterhead before any payment. Email confirmation is acceptable.
Make Payment
Pay via method that provides proof (certified check, money order). Keep all documentation forever.
Verify Removal
Check all three credit reports after 30-45 days. Follow up if not removed as agreed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is pay-for-delete legal?
Yes, pay-for-delete is legal. While credit bureaus discourage it in their agreements with creditors, there's no law preventing it. It's a business negotiation between you and the creditor.
Why would creditors agree to delete?
Collection agencies buy debt for pennies on the dollar. Getting 25-50% is profitable. For original creditors, it's often better to get something than risk getting nothing through continued non-payment.
Ready to Negotiate Your Pay-for-Delete?
Use our tools to analyze your credit report and create your negotiation strategy.