Pay for Delete Letter in Washington

An offer to pay a collection account in exchange for the collector asking the credit bureaus to remove it. Collectors are not required to agree; get any agreement in writing before you pay, and check your state's rules on whether a payment restarts the time limit to sue (below).

What Washington law says

Can a payment restart the clock?	A payment made before the limitations period expires restarts the period from the most recent payment. A written, signed acknowledgment or promise can also extend it. But a payment, acknowledgment or promise made after the period has expired does not restart, revive or extend it. Acknowledgment rule: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.280 (both amended 2019). Source: RCW 4.16.270, 4.16.280
Time limit for credit cards and open accounts	3 years for a contract or liability not in writing (oral agreements and accounts not founded on a written agreement). Source: RCW 4.16.080(3)

Can a payment restart the clock?

A payment made before the limitations period expires restarts the period from the most recent payment. A written, signed acknowledgment or promise can also extend it. But a payment, acknowledgment or promise made after the period has expired does not restart, revive or extend it.

Acknowledgment rule: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.280 (both amended 2019).

Source: RCW 4.16.270, 4.16.280

Time limit for credit cards and open accounts

3 years for a contract or liability not in writing (oral agreements and accounts not founded on a written agreement).

Source: RCW 4.16.080(3)

Fill it in

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[today's date]

To: [collection agency name and address]

Re: Account [account number]

I am willing to pay $[amount offered] to resolve this account in full, on the condition that you ask each credit bureau to remove the account from my credit reports.

If you agree, please confirm these terms in writing on your letterhead before I send payment.

This letter is not an acknowledgment that I owe the debt.

[your name], [your address]

Pay for Delete Letter for other states · Washington tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.