Debt Collection Costs Calculator 2026: Calculate fees

Updated for debt collection reforms 2021 and 2025

When the ‘Act to Improve Consumer Protection in Debt Collection Law’ came into force on 1 October 2021, fees for small amounts and debts paid early were reduced in particular. Building on these changes, another debt collection reform came into force on 1 June 2025, which led to a further adjustment of the fee rates.

Our calculator is adapted to both reform stages: It takes into account both the regulations from 2021 and the cost rates applicable since 1 June 2025. This means you always receive a reliable and up-to-date calculation of collection costs.

Would you also like to calculate your court and legal costs for court dunning proceedings and contentious proceedings? Then visit our court costs calculator.

What are debt collection costs?

Collection costs are fees that are incurred when a debt collection agency is commissioned to collect outstanding debts. These costs include, among other things

• Basic fee

• flat-rate expenses

• success commission

• reminder costs

• Interest

Our calculator will help you determine these costs in advance.

The basic fee and expenses are regulated by law. Individual regulations apply to success fees. These are also not usually part of the dunning letter and are therefore not included here.

Reminder costs are also limited by law and should be limited to the costs actually incurred as a result of a reminder.

Interest on arrears depends on the base interest rate, which is published by the Deutsche Bundesbank every six months.

Do I have to pay collection costs?

Collection costs are generally justified if an invoice has not been paid within the set period and is therefore overdue. Depending on the type of invoice, a prior reminder may be necessary. The amount of the costs is set by law. These costs are to be borne by the debtor in the event of actual default.

We have published further information on the respective requirements in our guide to commissioning debt collection.

How our debt collection calculator works

With our interactive debt collection calculator, you can calculate the costs incurred quickly and easily. Simply enter the amount of the original invoice and immediately receive a detailed cost overview. Have you received a debt collection invoice? Check whether the costs are justified and within the legal framework.

Step-by-step instructions for using the debt collection calculator

1. enter the invoice amount: Simply enter the amount of the outstanding debt. Any dunning costs should not be taken into account here.

2. select the fee factor: Select the relevant fee factor. Normally this is 0.5 for the first collection reminder or 0.9 for further letters.

3. receive calculation: Based on your input, you will immediately receive the cost overview.

Which fee factor is the right one?

Debt collection companies usually work with a 0.9 factor. If you pay directly after the first reminder, this is reduced to 0.5. You can also have special scenarios such as installment payments (0.7 + 0.9) or legal proceedings (1.3) calculated.

Transparency and fairness in debt collection costs

Our aim is to offer you maximum transparency and fairness when calculating collection costs. Our free calculator helps you to know all the fees in advance and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Use our debt collection calculator now and get a clear overview of your debt collection costs!