Contact your creditor as soon as you can
Use the verified details on your agreement, ideally before the payment date. Explain what changed, whether the difficulty is temporary and what amount you can realistically afford. If the due date has passed, contact them anyway.
Prepare for the conversation
Your agreement reference and the payment date you are concerned about.- A short explanation of the change in your circumstances.
- An accurate view of essential expenses, income and other repayments.
- Any previous arrangement or payment confirmation relevant to the issue.
Share sensitive documents only through an agreed secure channel. Do not disclose your banking password, PIN or OTP.
Ask what options are available
Ask the creditor to explain any available arrangement, its cost, its effect on the repayment schedule and any credit-reporting implications. An enquiry does not automatically suspend a payment, interest or the terms of the agreement. Get any accepted arrangement in writing and keep a copy.
Consider independent debt assistance
If several debts have become unmanageable, an NCR-registered debt counsellor can explain whether debt review is relevant to your circumstances. Check registration and understand the process and fees before agreeing to services.
Find official debt-counselling information at the NCR. Avoid firms promising to erase debt or credit records for an upfront payment.
Avoid making the problem bigger
Do not rely on a new loan to clear a repeating shortfall. Start with essentials such as food, housing, utilities and transport, then discuss your commitments with the relevant creditors. Use the budget planner to prepare privately on paper or in your browser.
If you are already under debt review
Discuss changed circumstances with your registered debt counsellor before considering further credit or changing agreed payments. Read debt review and new borrowing, including the NCR warning about removal promises.