Glossary

Pay for Delete

A negotiated agreement where a collector removes the collection from a credit report in exchange for payment.

Pay for delete (PFD) is a negotiated agreement where a debt collector removes a collection account from the consumer's credit report in exchange for payment. Some collectors agree; many don't.

Critical: get the agreement in writing BEFORE paying. Collectors who verbally agree to delete then refuse after payment are common. The written agreement should specify: account number, removal commitment, target date, all three bureaus.

Also called

PFD

Related terms

Collection Account

A debt that has been turned over to a collection agency, typically appearing as a separate account on credit reports.

FCRA §611

FCRA §611(a)(1) requires bureaus to investigate disputed items within 30 days. The bedrock dispute provision.

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