Glossary
Withdrawal by the creditor
Retrait (FR) · Rückzug (DE) · Ritiro (IT)
Updated on 28 July 2026
Definition
Withdrawal is the creditor's declaration to the office that they drop the proceeding. A withdrawn proceeding stops being disclosed to third parties. It costs the creditor nothing and is done by a simple letter.
This is the fastest route where a debt was paid without an objection, since non-disclosure is then excluded. Everything rests on the creditor's goodwill: no provision obliges them to withdraw, even after payment in full.
In practice a written, polite and documented request often works. It should state the proceeding number, attach proof of payment, and explain that the step costs the creditor nothing — many do not know this and refuse out of pure administrative reflex.
If they refuse or stay silent, options remain depending on the situation: a written follow-up, escalation to the creditor's legal department, or the judicial route where the debt was already extinguished at the time of the proceeding (art. 85 / 85a).
Key points
- Free for the creditor, done by a simple letter to the office.
- No legal obligation to withdraw, even after payment.
- The only fast route for a debt paid without objection.
Legal basis : Art. 8a para. 3 let. c DEBA/SchKG