How to Write a Goodwill Letter to Remove a Late Payment

Last updated on February 28, 2023 / By / Credit Cards

Late payments can have a negative impact on your credit score and overall financial health. If you’ve had a late payment on your credit report, you may be able to have it removed by writing a goodwill letter. 

A goodwill letter is a written request to a creditor or lender asking them to remove a negative item from your credit report as a gesture of goodwill. In this article, we will explore how to write a goodwill letter to remove a late payment.

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Step 1: Review Your Credit Report 

Before writing a goodwill letter, review your credit report to ensure that the late payment is accurate. If the late payment is inaccurate, you can dispute it with the credit reporting agencies. However, if the late payment is accurate, a goodwill letter may be your best option.

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Step 2: Gather Information 

When writing a goodwill letter, gather all relevant information, such as your account number, payment history, and any extenuating circumstances that led to the late payment. You may also want to include any positive information, such as a long history of on-time payments.

Step 3: Write Your Goodwill Letter 

When writing your goodwill letter, be polite and concise. Explain the circumstances that led to the late payment and ask the creditor or lender to remove it from your credit report as a gesture of goodwill. Be sure to express gratitude for their consideration.

Step 4: Follow Up 

After sending your goodwill letter, follow up with the creditor or lender to ensure that they received it and to check on the status of your request. If you don’t receive a response within a few weeks, consider sending a second letter or calling the creditor or lender to follow up.

Tips for Writing a Goodwill Letter Here are some tips for writing a successful goodwill letter:

  1. Be polite and respectful in your tone.
  2. Explain the circumstances that led to the late payment, such as a medical emergency or job loss.
  3. Take responsibility for the late payment and express remorse.
  4. Emphasize your positive payment history and your commitment to making on-time payments in the future.
  5. Keep your letter concise and to the point.

Goodwill Letter to Remove a Late Payment Templates

Goodwill Letter Template 1:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

[Date]

[Creditor or Lender Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Creditor or Lender Name],

I am writing to request that you remove the late payment on my credit report. I have been a loyal customer of [Creditor or Lender Name] for [number of years] years and have always made my payments on time.

However, due to [circumstance that led to the late payment, such as a medical emergency or job loss], I was unable to make my payment on time.

I take full responsibility for the late payment and express my sincere remorse. I understand the importance of making on-time payments and the impact that late payments can have on my credit score.

As a result, I am committed to making on-time payments in the future and maintaining a positive payment history.

I kindly ask that you remove the late payment from my credit report as a gesture of goodwill. I appreciate your consideration and value our ongoing relationship. Please let me know if you need any additional information or documentation.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Goodwill Letter Template 2:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

[Date]

[Creditor or Lender Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Creditor or Lender Name],

I am writing to request that you remove the late payment on my credit report. I have been a loyal customer of [Creditor or Lender Name] for [number of years] years and have always made my payments on time. 

However, I experienced a temporary financial hardship due to [circumstance that led to the late payment, such as a medical emergency or job loss], which resulted in a late payment.

While I take full responsibility for the late payment, I want to emphasize my commitment to making on-time payments in the future. I value my relationship with [Creditor or Lender Name] and have always appreciated your exceptional customer service.

I kindly ask that you remove the late payment from my credit report as a gesture of goodwill. I believe this action will have a positive impact on my credit score and overall financial health. Please let me know if you need any additional information or documentation.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to continuing our relationship.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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