Your card debt conversation checklist

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01Where are the cards you are concerned about now?

If your cards are at different stages, choose court papers first, then collections, then missed payments. You can run the checklist again for another card.

Payments are current, but getting difficultOne or more payments are lateA collector is contacting meI have court papers or a judgmentI am not sure

02How many card accounts are you trying to address?

Choose the answer that fits best.

One cardSeveral cardsI need to make a list

03Can you cover your essential expenses right now?

Think about housing, food, utilities, medication, work transportation, insurance and court-ordered obligations.

Yes, at the momentNo, or I am falling behindI need to work that out

04After essential expenses, what could you discuss without promising a payment today?

Leave room for other obligations and unexpected expenses. This is not a request to set money aside or change any payment.

A recurring monthly amountA one-time amountPossibly eitherNeither right nowI am not sure yet

Keep the whole picture nearby

Give every card
its own line.

Use a private record when you prepare. A nickname is enough; don’t put full account or card numbers on a worksheet you might share.

Download a blank account record ↓

For each card, write down:

Who holds it and the current status
The balance and statement date
Any payment or response deadline
The offer, fees and written terms
What remains unknown

Always worth asking

What changes? The payment, the interest, or the balance itself?

What remains? Other cards, fees, conditions or future payments?

What if it fails? A declined offer, missed payment or income change?

Compare the alternatives

Know what
you want to ask.

Give every card
its own line.

Always worth asking

Understand the choice.
Then explore the help.

Know what you want to ask.

Give every card its own line.

Always worth asking

Understand the choice. Then explore the help.

Know what
you want to ask.

Give every card
its own line.

Understand the choice.
Then explore the help.