Borrower resource
A document checklist for conversations with your lender
Keeping clear records can help you understand your account and ask informed questions. Use this checklist to prepare for a conversation with your lender; you do not need to share every document with an adviser.
Your preparation checklist
Account and lender records
- Recent loan or credit-card statements showing the account reference, balance, and statement date.
- The original sanction letter, loan agreement, or card terms, if available.
- A recent repayment history and a list of missed or partial payments.
- Copies of communications received from the lender or its authorised representative.
Your current circumstances
- A simple monthly income-and-expenses summary based on your current situation.
- A short timeline of any change that affected repayment, such as reduced income or an unexpected expense.
- Supporting documents you are comfortable sharing, with unrelated sensitive details redacted.
- A realistic estimate of what you can afford without taking on unaffordable new borrowing.
Before you agree to terms
- Ask the lender for any offer in writing through a channel you have independently verified.
- Check the account reference, total amount, due dates, payment instructions, and offer expiry date.
- Ask how the account will be reported to credit information companies and what confirmation will be issued after payment.
- Keep receipts and written communications; confirm that payments go to the lender’s verified account.
Important to know
Preparing documents does not guarantee that a lender will change repayment terms. Options, eligibility, fees, credit reporting, and legal consequences depend on your agreement, circumstances, and the lender’s decision. Read any written offer carefully and consider independent legal or financial advice where needed.
Guardian Financial Experts is an independent advisory business, not a bank, lender, law firm, or government authority. This checklist is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.