Do I still need to include all debts?

Not always. Unlike formal options, informal agreements can be negotiated with just a few creditors.

Informal Debt Agreements – Flexible Relief Without Affecting Your Credit File

A low-pressure, non-legally binding way for Australians to reduce repayments and get back in control without formal insolvency.

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What Is an Informal
Agreement?

An Informal Debt Agreement is a flexible, private arrangement where we negotiate directly with your creditors to lower or pause your repayments without impacting your credit file or entering formal insolvency.

Unlike Part IX Debt Agreements, Informal Agreements are not governed by AFSA or the Bankruptcy Act. They're best suited for Australians who don’t qualify for formal relief, or want to avoid credit implications altogether.

It’s not a loan.
It’s not bankruptcy.
It’s an alternative pathway out of debt when used correctly.

Check If You Qualify – Free Assessment

Who Should Consider an Informal Agreement?

This option may be right if:

You’ve previously declared bankruptcy or had a Part IX Debt Agreement
You’re ineligible for a formal agreement due to income or debt thresholds
You want to avoid credit file impacts from formal insolvency
Your debts are mounting, but you’re still trying to maintain good standing
You’ve had a temporary change in income and need breathing room

Talk to a Specialist About Your Options

Key Features of Informal Agreements

No formal insolvency

Stays off your credit report (unlike Part IX)

Lower or paused repayments

Depending on creditor flexibility

Shorter-term flexibility

Ideal for temporary hardship

Fewer eligibility limits

No debt or income threshold

No government registration required

Negotiated personally by our team

you don’t deal with creditors

Ideal for Australians who

Have been bankrupt or insolvent in the last 10 years
Are rejected for loans but want to avoid formal action
Need breathing space during a temporary crisis

Book Your Free Debt Assessment

What Debts Can Be Included?

We can typically help reduce or renegotiate payments on unsecured debts such as:

Overdue bills & utilities

Cannot include:

Secured debts like mortgages or car loans
Business loans under ABN
Fines or child support obligations

Secured debts (like mortgages or car loans) cannot be included but we may still be able to help

Our Informal Debt Relief Process

Free Debt Assessment

We review your debts, income, budget, and goals.

We Contact Creditors

We negotiate directly with your creditors aiming to reduce or pause repayments for a set time.

Agreement Start

You make simplified repayments under the informal plan. If you miss a payment, the plan may end so we support you closely.

Re-assessment or Transition

If your situation changes, we can re-negotiate or help you move into a formal option when ready.

Start the Process With No Pressure

Informal vs Formal (Part IX) Debt Agreement

Features Informal Agreement Part IX Debt Agreement

Legally Binding

Yes

Credit impact

None

Yes

Appears on NPII

Yes

Flexible repayments

Yes

Legally protects from court

Yes

Negotiated with creditors

Yes(manual)

Yes

Eligibility restrictions

Yes

Not Sure Which is Right for You? Compare Solutions

What Are the Risks?

While Informal Agreements are flexible, they are not protected by law.

Potential risks include:

Creditors can cancel the agreement at any time
Collection action may still occur
Missed repayments may restart the debt cycle
No guarantee of debt forgiveness

But for the right person, it can be the gentlest first step out of hardship especially when paired with strong financial coaching.

Is an Informal Agreement the Right Fit?

An Informal Agreement is best for people who

Need short-term relief without long-term consequences
Are recovering from bankruptcy or past credit issues
Have low to moderate unsecured debts
Are dealing with one or two persistent creditors
Can’t meet full repayments, but want to avoid credit harm

We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons — and only offer it if we believe it’s a stable fit.

Get Honest Advice Book Your Free Review

Why Debt Fix?

20+ Years of Experience

Supporting Australians through all forms of debt relief

Licensed & Regulated

We operate under national consumer credit laws.

Personal Guidance

Speak with someone who listens, not a script reader.

No False Promises

We won’t offer a solution that won’t stick

Family-Owned

We understand the impact debt has on home, health and hope

2/3

What Australians Say About Debt Fix

Read Our Success Stories in Helping Australians go Debt Free

Over 20 years of success stories across every state in Australia

Helen
Debt Value: $44,780

I experienced financial hardship as a result of a previous relationship where I was a victim of domestic violence and financial abuse. During this time, I was coerced into taking out a loan with a bank, which I was later left solely responsible for repaying.

William
Debt Value: $49,065

Everything started to unravel when my relationship with my ex-wife ended, and she was granted full custody of our children. This was an incredibly difficult time for me and had a significant impact on my mental health. During that period, I relied heavily on short-term, high-interest loans just to get by,

Eadie
Debt Value: $72,960

I ran into financial trouble after experiencing a period of unemployment, which led me to take out several loans to cover my living expenses. Unfortunately, I didn’t fully understand the high interest rates and short repayment terms involved, and this quickly trapped me in a cycle of debt that became unmanageable.

Read Real Stories

Ready to See If an Informal Agreement Is Right?

We’ll never push a solution that isn’t right for you.
Just clarity, care, and a plan you can actually stick to.

Serving all of Australia — online and by phone

Call Us Directly: 1300 332 834

Book a Free Informal Assessment Now

FAQs - Informal Debt Agreements

No. Informal Agreements are private arrangements and do not appear on your credit report unless you default.

Informal agreements are typically shorter from 6 to 24 months and may be reviewed regularly.

That’s okay. Informal agreements are a common pathway after insolvency where formal options are unavailable.

Yes. These are voluntary arrangements. If you miss repayments, the agreement may be revoked.

Yes in many cases, repayments are reduced to an affordable level while your situation stabilises.

Possibly, especially if you’re up to date with tax lodgements. We'll review case-by-case.

Yes. Many clients start informal and move to a Part IX once eligible.

Yes. You don’t speak to creditors, our team handles all communications.

We typically recommend informals for debts above $5,000, but we assess all cases fairly.

We can reassess and help you move to a more permanent solution or exit the plan entirely.

Simple, book a free call. We'll take you through the process with no obligation.