The DataOceans Blog

Adverse action letters shouldn’t be a cost burden

Written by Lawrence Buckley | Jun 26, 2025 8:16:33 PM

Adverse action letters are a regulatory necessity - mandatory, not strategic. 
Yet many lenders continue to spend significant sums printing and mailing these grudge sends. 

 With postage rising and digital communication widely adopted by consumers, the question isn't whether you can go digital - it's why you haven’t already. 

 If you’re already collecting email addresses during the finance application process, capturing consent for digital delivery should be standard practice. 

The Skyrocketing Costs of Print & Mail 

Postage Is Pricier Than Ever: 

As of July 13, 2025, USPS raised the cost of a first‑class “Forever” stamp from $0.73 to $0.78. 

Metered letters, postcards, and large envelopes all saw significant increases. 

Hidden Costs Add Up: 

Printing, handling, equipment, compliance oversight, and third-party vendor costs continue to climb. 

 Why Digital Delivery Makes Sense 

  • Lower Costs: No printing, postage, or manual processing expenses. 
  • Speed and Compliance: Immediate delivery, audit trails, and delivery confirmation improve compliance posture. 
  • Borrower Expectations: Today’s consumers expect digital communication - especially for time-sensitive notices. 

Regulatory Considerations

To deliver adverse action letters digitally, ensure: 

  • Clear opt-in consent 
  • Secure, trackable delivery mechanisms 
  • Archiving for audit and dispute purposes 

Hybrid as a Fallback

Use print only when digital consent isn't available. Modern CCM platforms, such as DataOceans’ solution, automate fallback processes while prioritizing digital efficiency. 

Adverse action letters are a grudge send. They don’t need to drain your budget or slow your operations. With the right tools and consent practices in place, digital delivery is not only possible-it’s the obvious choice.

Ready to move beyond paper and postage? See how modern lenders handle adverse action notices: