Buzz
Talking about money can be a bit awkward, especially when it’s done through text. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother. If you're wondering how to ask for or request money through text, check out these helpful tips below!
Steps
Be proactive in mentioning the reason you need the money.
People are more likely to empathize if you explain why you need the money. Since you know them well enough to have their phone number, they might be a friend, colleague, or relative. These people will often be more understanding of your situation. Keep your explanation brief, stating why you need the money and what it will be used for. For example:
- "Vinh, I’m really sorry, but I’m in a tough spot. The deadline for paying my rent is this Friday, but I won’t get my salary until the 30th."
- "Hey sis, school starts next week, but my part-time job salary isn’t enough to pay my tuition fees. Could you help me out?"
- "Linh, I just finished a meal at a restaurant and realized I forgot my wallet. Can you transfer me some money through Momo so I can pay?"
Be clear about the amount of money you need.
If you're not specific, the other person might think you're trying to take advantage of them. Avoid beating around the bush. If you’re asking for “a little money” or vaguely mentioning “paying rent” without stating the exact amount, the other person may feel like you’re exploiting their kindness. And if they have to ask, "How much do you actually need?" it’s likely they're feeling uncomfortable. Clearly stating the amount you need will make it easier for both of you. You could say:
- "My rent this month is 1,500,000 VND, and I’m short 300,000 VND."
- "The teacher said the semester fee is 2,000,000 VND."
- "I just need an extra 200,000 VND to cover this meal!"
Let them know when you need the money.
If it’s urgent or you're asking for a large sum, let them know when you’ll need the money. Try to make it as convenient for them as possible. For larger amounts, let them know your timeframe so they have enough time to prepare. If you’re borrowing to pay a bill, mention the due date. And if it’s urgent, be upfront about it. Here are a few examples:
- "The landlord usually collects rent on the 20th of every month, so I need the money by this Friday."
- "The internet bill is due on October 24th. Can you lend me the money before that date?"
- "Honestly, I’m just trying to stall. The restaurant is short on tables, and the waiter keeps looking at ours."
Suggest how the money can be transferred.
Don't expect others to handle any side issues for you! You’ve asked to borrow money, so make this process as smooth as possible for them by suggesting easy ways to transfer the money. Of course, this depends on the specific situation, but it's better to provide multiple transfer options (if possible). If there is only one method to transfer money, be clear about it. For example:
- "Could you transfer the money to my Momo account now? Or I can give you the restaurant's account number for a bank transfer? The waiter is right here."
- "Do you want to transfer the money to me or the landlady? I use TP Bank, but she uses Vietcombank."
- "You could stop by to pick up the money if you're free. I really appreciate it!"
Make a promise on when you will pay it back.
People are more likely to lend money if you promise to pay it back. If you're borrowing a small amount from family or friends (under 2,000,000 VND), they may not mind when you repay. However, you should still set a date. If you’re asking for a larger sum, most people will feel more comfortable if you specify when you'll repay the money. For instance, you could say:
- "I'll get my salary next Friday, and I'll transfer 300,000 VND to you as soon as I receive it."
- "I can't repay the full 2,000,000 VND at once, but I can pay 500,000 VND each month until it's fully settled."
- "Please transfer the money to my Momo account now, and I’ll treat you to dinner next Sunday!"
Write a debt acknowledgment document if you're borrowing a large amount.
Write a detailed repayment plan to make the lender feel more at ease. Borrowing a large sum can be tricky, especially if you know it will take time to repay. You can create a full repayment plan with due dates, installment amounts, and interest (if any). Here's an example:
- "I receive my salary on the 30th of each month, so I will transfer 5,000,000 VND to you whenever I get paid. The first installment will be next Friday. If everything goes as planned, I will repay the full 60,000,000 VND by April 15. Does that sound good to you?"
- If you're borrowing money via text, let them know you’ll draft and send a debt document via email in a few minutes. They can review it, and if they agree, you both can meet to sign the agreement and transfer the money.
"Subtly remind" someone if they owe you money.
Try this if you're uncomfortable directly asking for repayment. Even though it's your money, asking for it back can be awkward. If the person promised to pay you but hasn’t yet, try to stay optimistic and trust that they may have simply forgotten. Before demanding repayment, consider gently reminding them like this:
- "Honestly, I can't make it to the club tonight. I'm out of money."
- "The rent is due next week, but I’m out of cash. What should I do?"
Stay calm and be direct if you need them to pay now.
Explain the urgency to make your request for repayment sound a bit softer. Even though you're frustrated, demanding, "I need you to pay back the 1,000,000 VND you owe me right now!" might not be the best approach. Try to stay calm so your friend can understand your situation. For example:
- "I'm really sorry, but I really need the 1,000,000 VND you borrowed to pay the rent. The deadline is this weekend..."
- "Can you help me with this? The traffic ticket fine I mentioned last time is due this Friday, and I only have 200,000 VND left. If you repay the 500,000 VND you owe me, I'll have enough to pay the fine on time. :)"
- You can ask for the money without being direct by requesting a transfer via Momo. This is a subtle and effective way to ask for repayment!
