How to Contact Creditors

Defaulting on payments to your creditors can harm your credit history. Stay in constant communication with your creditors if you experience financial hardship. Whether you need to contact your creditor to resolve a debt or discuss problems with your account, you can use several methods of communication.

Instructions

1

Write and mail a certified letter if you need to dispute an item on your credit report. Include information on the erroneous item. A letter provides proof that you communicated with the creditor, and mailing a certified letter provides evidence that the creditor received your letter. Include your name, account number and a thorough explanation of why you're disputing an item on your credit report.

2

Communicate by telephone if you need to immediately address an issue with your account. A letter can serve as evidence that you attempted contact with your creditor but takes longer. Telephone your creditor using the toll-free number on your statement. Ask the representative for permission to record the conversation as proof that you spoke with the company, and always ask for the representative's name before ending the conversation.

3

Write a collection agency if you creditor sold your charged-off or delinquent account debt. Ask the collector to remove the negative listing from your report if you pay the balance in full, or update your account to "paid." Ask for all negotiations in writing as proof of the agreement.