If you’ve made a late payment on a loan or credit card but have since gotten back on track, you might be wondering if there’s a way to remove that negative mark from your credit report. That’s where a goodwill letter comes in. A goodwill letter is a written request to a creditor or lender asking them to remove a negative entry from your credit report as an act of goodwill. It’s not guaranteed, but in many cases, especially if you have a history of on-time payments, lenders may agree to help.
Why Send a Goodwill Letter?
Your payment history makes up the largest portion of your credit score. Even a single late payment can have a lasting impact. A goodwill letter doesn’t dispute the validity of the late payment. Instead, it acknowledges the mistake and politely asks the creditor to remove the record, especially if the account is now in good standing. It’s most effective when you have a strong prior history with the creditor or if the missed payment was due to unusual circumstances like illness or job loss.
How to Write a Goodwill Letter
Keep your letter short, respectful, and honest. Explain why the late payment happened, take responsibility, and highlight your positive payment history before and after the incident. It helps to show that you understand the importance of credit and are actively trying to improve yours.
Goodwill Letter Template
Below is a simple template you can use to write your own goodwill letter:
Subject: Request for Goodwill Adjustment
Dear [Creditor’s Name or Customer Service],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing regarding my account [Account Number] with [Creditor Name] and want to first express my appreciation for the service you’ve provided. I’ve worked hard to maintain a good relationship with your company and have always aimed to make payments on time.
Unfortunately, due to [briefly explain your reason—e.g., a medical emergency, unexpected job loss, etc.], I missed a payment on [Date]. I fully understand the importance of making timely payments and take full responsibility for the oversight.
Since then, I have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again, and my account has remained in good standing. As a gesture of goodwill, I kindly ask if you would consider removing the late payment from my credit report. This adjustment would make a significant difference as I continue to rebuild my credit.
Thank you for your time and understanding. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to continuing our positive relationship.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Where to Send the Goodwill Letter
You can send your letter by mail or, if the company offers it, through a secure message portal on their website. Always keep a copy of your letter and any response you receive. Not all creditors will remove the late payment, but it’s worth trying—especially if your overall history is strong.
Need More Credit Repair Tips?
Rebuilding credit takes time and strategy, but goodwill letters can be one part of the process. Click here for a step by step guide on repairing your credit.
Every credit situation is unique, so if a goodwill letter doesn’t work, don’t give up. Keep making on-time payments, lower your credit utilization, and monitor your reports regularly to stay on track.
