How to write a hardship letter that actually works

A well-written hardship letter can be the difference between a creditor agreeing to a payment plan or continuing to chase you. Here's what works.

What is a hardship letter?

A hardship letter is a formal request to your creditor explaining that you're in financial difficulty and asking for reduced payments, frozen interest, or a payment plan.

The structure that works

1. State who you are

Include your name, address, and account reference number.

2. Explain your situation

Be honest but brief. You don't need to share every detail. Common phrases:

3. Show what you can afford

This is the most important part. Include:

4. Make a specific request

Don't just explain your problems — ask for something specific:

5. Reference their obligations

Creditors have a duty to treat customers in financial difficulty fairly. You can reference:

Tips for success

You can use our free Hardship Letter Generator to create a tailored letter in minutes.