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Review a debt offer before signing

Have the written offer beside you. Mark whether each item is confirmed, missing or unclear. This worksheet identifies questions; it does not score providers, verify a contract or recommend an offer.

First step. Keep the written offer beside you. Mark the terms that are missing or unclear before completing the checklist.

A lower monthly payment can mean a longer term and higher total cost. Compare the same debts, all fees, total cash paid and the timeline. A calculator cannot verify the provider, creditor acceptance or legal rights.

Free educational information for people in the United States. Independent site; not a lender, credit counselor or government agency.

What are you reviewing?

No registration. Your choices stay on this page; this tool does not save or send them. Downloads happen only when you choose. Do not enter names, account numbers or documents.

For every offer

Which debts are included, what are their dated payoff balances, and which debts remain outside the offer?

Please list one-time, recurring, late and other possible fees; are they added, withheld or paid separately?

What must I pay, when does payment start, how many payments are required, and can the last amount differ?

What is the total outflow including fees? Which rate, payment or timing changes could increase it?

Who is the contracting provider? How do I verify any required state license and obtain the complete agreement?

What interest, fees, loss of concessions or collection consequences can follow a missed payment?

Can you explain the required monthly cash and first-payment timing so I can check my own budget?

Consolidation loan

What are the contract interest rate and disclosed APR? Is the rate fixed, variable or temporary?

After all withheld fees, how much cash is available? Is any money needed before disbursement?

Who pays each creditor, on what date, and how will any remaining interest or balance be handled?

Does the loan put any property at risk? Are there prepayment charges or conditions?

Balance transfer

What is the exact promotion deadline and APR afterward? Can any action end the promotion early?

Does my approved limit cover both the transfer and its fee? Which balances qualify, and by when must I transfer them?

How is the minimum calculated? What interest and payment-allocation rules apply to new purchases?

Is this a true promotional APR or deferred interest? Could interest be charged retroactively?

With my planned payment, what balance is expected at the deadline? What schedule follows if I cannot transfer again?

Debt management plan (DMP)

Has every included creditor accepted the rate and payment? Can I confirm this directly with each creditor?

How much reaches each creditor, when is it sent, and how can I check my statements?

Does its payment stop or move to another account? When does the agency's monthly fee end?

Must accounts close? What happens if I leave the plan, and what alternatives or fee waivers are available?

How to use the record

  1. Ask for the complete quote and agreement, with the date, payment schedule and all fees.
  2. For anything marked missing or unclear, get a written answer. A verbal promise is not a completed comparison.
  3. Use the matching calculator below with the confirmed terms. Do not treat an example as your approved offer.
  4. Before changing payments, verify what each old creditor is still owed. Keep written statements and agreements.

Confirm who provides the service, whether they can operate in your state and whether the written terms match the advertisement. Guaranteed debt elimination, pressure to decide immediately or instructions to stop payments without explaining consequences require further investigation. We do not decide whether an offer is lawful.

Compare confirmed numbers

Official guidance

Sources checked: September 9, 2026. This is the review date, not a rule effective date.

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