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who should you contact if you have trouble making payments

If you have trouble making payments, contact the company you owe first, then reach out for free, reputable help if you need it.

Who to contact first

Start with the organization you owe money to. They are the only ones who can change the terms of your account.

  • Credit cards and loans: Call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your statement and ask for the hardship or billing department.
  • Banks and credit unions: Use the phone number on your statement or online banking and ask about late-payment options or hardship programs.
  • Utilities, phone, internet, rent: Contact the billing or resident/tenant office and ask if they offer payment plans, extensions, or assistance programs.

What to say when you call

Being clear and calm usually gets better results.

  • Briefly explain that you’re experiencing a temporary financial hardship (job loss, medical issue, reduced hours, etc.).
  • Say you want to pay but cannot afford the current amount and ask what hardship options or payment plans they offer.
  • Ask them to confirm any new plan in writing (email or message center) so you have a record.

Free, trustworthy help

If you’re overwhelmed or behind on multiple bills, contact a reputable, non- profit or government-backed service rather than paid “fix your debt fast” companies.

  • In the U.S., look for:
    • Nonprofit credit counseling agencies (often found through national counseling associations). They can help you make a budget and sometimes set up a debt management plan.
* Government consumer help sites that explain how to get out of debt and how to file complaints about banks, credit cards, or other financial firms.
  • Community legal aid or local advice services can help if you’re facing collections, lawsuits, or eviction.

If you suspect a scam or abuse

If someone is pressuring you for payment in unusual ways (gift cards, wire transfers, threats) or you think you’ve been scammed, treat it as a safety issue too.

  • Contact your local police or sheriff’s office to report fraud or threats.
  • Contact your state or national consumer protection agency or attorney general’s office for guidance and to file a complaint.

Quick mini-checklist

  • 1️⃣ List who you owe and when each payment is due.
  • 2️⃣ Call each company before the due date if possible and ask about hardship options.
  • 3️⃣ Write down who you spoke with, the date, and what they offered.
  • 4️⃣ Reach out to a nonprofit counseling or consumer agency if you’re juggling many debts.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.

TL;DR: If you have trouble making payments, call the company you owe right away, ask about hardship/payment plans, and then seek help from reputable nonprofit or government consumer resources if you need extra support.