⚠️ Important: Goodwill ≠ Dispute
A goodwill letter is not a dispute. You're acknowledging the late payment is accurate and asking for removal as a courtesy. This is for legitimate late payments on otherwise good accounts — not for errors (use our dispute guide for errors).
1 What Is a Goodwill Letter?
A goodwill letter is a written request asking a creditor to remove a legitimate negative mark from your credit report as a courtesy. You're essentially saying: "Yes, I was late. Here's why. I've been a great customer otherwise. Would you please remove it as a one-time gesture?"
Creditors are not required to do this. They have every right to report accurate information. But many will grant goodwill adjustments to retain customer relationships — especially for long-standing accounts with otherwise perfect history.
Key Differences:
Goodwill Letter
- • You admit the late payment happened
- • You ask for removal as a courtesy
- • Sent directly to creditor
- • No legal obligation to comply
Dispute Letter
- • You claim information is inaccurate
- • You invoke FCRA rights
- • Sent to credit bureaus
- • Bureau must investigate by law
2 When to Use a Goodwill Letter
Goodwill letters work best in specific situations. They're not a magic solution for everyone.
✓ Good Candidates
- • One-time late payment (not a pattern)
- • Extenuating circumstance (medical, job loss)
- • Long account history (3+ years)
- • Otherwise perfect payment record
- • Account is now current or paid off
- • You're still a customer of the creditor
✗ Poor Candidates
- • Multiple late payments
- • Account went to collections
- • Pattern of missed payments
- • Account is closed by creditor
- • Recent late payment (still angry)
- • No relationship with creditor
3 Success Rates by Bank
Based on community reports and data, here's what to expect from different creditors:
| Creditor | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Unions | High | Member-focused, more flexible |
| Synchrony Bank | Moderate-High | Store card issuer, reported successes |
| Discover | Moderate | Customer service oriented |
| American Express | Moderate | Values long-term members |
| Capital One | Low-Moderate | Hit or miss, worth trying |
| Chase | Very Low | Policy against goodwill adjustments |
| Bank of America | Very Low | Strict FCRA compliance stance |
| Wells Fargo | Very Low | Rarely grants goodwill |
Key Success Factors:
- • 79% success rate when borrowers have 12+ months perfect payments before AND after the incident
- • Higher success with accounts open 5+ years
- • Better odds with snail mail vs. phone or email
4 How to Write an Effective Goodwill Letter
The best goodwill letters are short (under 300 words), take responsibility, and don't make excuses. Here's the formula:
The 5-Part Formula:
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1
Identify yourself and the account
Name, address, account number, last 4 of SSN
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2
Take full responsibility
"I take full responsibility for the late payment in [month/year]."
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3
Briefly explain (don't over-excuse)
One sentence: medical issue, job transition, family emergency. Don't ramble.
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4
Highlight your positive history
"In my [X] years as a customer, this is my only late payment."
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5
Make the ask
"I respectfully request that you consider removing this late payment from my credit report with all three bureaus."
5 Free Goodwill Letter Templates
⚡ Skip the copy-paste
Use our interactive generator to fill in the blanks and copy a ready-to-send letter.
Template 1: Medical/Emergency
Copy & Customize[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Re: Account Number [XXXX] – Goodwill Adjustment Request
Dear [Creditor Name] Customer Service,
I am writing to request a goodwill adjustment for a late payment reported on my account in [Month/Year].
I take full responsibility for this late payment. At that time, I was dealing with [brief explanation: unexpected medical expenses / a family emergency / job loss], which temporarily affected my ability to stay current on my bills.
I have been a [Creditor Name] customer for [X years], and this is the only late payment on my account. Since then, I have maintained perfect payment history and continue to value my relationship with your company.
I respectfully request that you consider removing this late payment from my credit report with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion as a goodwill gesture. This would mean a great deal as I am working to [buy a home / rebuild my credit / etc.].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Phone: [Your Phone]
Email: [Your Email]
Template 2: Autopay Failure
Copy & Customize[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Re: Account Number [XXXX] – Goodwill Adjustment Request
Dear [Creditor Name] Team,
I am writing regarding a late payment reported on my account in [Month/Year]. I take responsibility for not catching this sooner.
The late payment occurred because my autopay failed to process after [I updated my bank account / my card expired / there was a technical issue]. I did not realize the payment had not gone through until I received notice, at which point I immediately paid the balance in full.
Looking at my account history, you will see that in [X years] as your customer, this is the only late payment I have ever had. All other payments have been made on time or early.
Given my otherwise perfect payment history and the circumstances, I am hoping you might consider removing this late payment from my credit reports as a one-time goodwill adjustment.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
6 How to Send Your Letter
Best Practices:
Send via certified mail with return receipt
Creates a paper trail and proves delivery. Costs ~$4.
Send to the executive office or CEO
Regular customer service may auto-deny. Executive offices have more discretion. Search "[Bank Name] executive customer relations address".
Keep a copy of everything
Letter, certified mail receipt, any responses.
Follow up after 30 days
If no response, send a second letter or try calling.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- • Don't threaten to close the account or stop using their services
- • Don't be demanding or entitled — you're asking for a favor
- • Don't write a 3-page sob story — keep it under 300 words
- • Don't call it a "dispute" — that's a legal term with different implications
- • Don't lie about circumstances — they may verify
7 If Your Request Is Denied
Don't give up after one "no." Here are your options:
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1
Try again in 3-6 months
You may get a different representative. More time = more perfect payments = stronger case.
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2
Try a different contact method
If you called, try a letter. If you sent to customer service, try the CEO's office.
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3
Wait for the late payment to age
Late payments have less score impact as they get older. After 2-3 years, the damage is significantly reduced.
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4
Build positive history around it
Add new positive tradelines through authorized user status, Experian Boost, etc. Dilute the negative with positives.
Remember: Late Payments Age Out
Even if goodwill fails, late payments fall off your credit report after 7 years from the date of the missed payment. The scoring impact also diminishes significantly after 2 years.
More Free Credit Strategies
Goodwill letters are just one tool. Combine with these other free methods.