Beating collections

The 2026 collection landscape

• Medical collections under $500: excluded from FICO 9/10 entirely (CFPB rule)
• Paid medical collections: removed from all reports within 30 days
• Other collections: still scored, but FICO 9/10 weighs paid collections less than unpaid

Pay-for-delete (PFD)

The most powerful collection move. You agree to pay only if the collector agrees in writing to delete (not "update to paid") the trade line.

PFD template (paraphrased)

I am offering [amount] in full settlement of account [#] on the condition that you instruct all three credit bureaus to delete the trade line within 30 days of receiving payment. This offer is contingent on your written agreement. Do not call this a settlement — this is a contingent offer to delete.

Mail it. Get the agreement back signed. Then pay.

Goodwill removals (after payment)

If you've already paid and want it removed, mail a goodwill letter to the original creditor (not the collector) explaining the hardship and asking for a one-time courtesy removal.

What never to do

• Never make a partial payment on an old collection — it restarts the statute of limitations
• Never acknowledge the debt over the phone before requesting validation in writing
• Never pay before receiving written PFD agreement