How do I write a letter to remove late payments from goodwill?

Asked by: Lavada Bernhard  |  Last update: September 29, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (30 votes)

There's no formal format for a goodwill letter, but there are guidelines generally considered as effective:
  1. Offer an apology and be as sincere as possible.
  2. Express your gratitude to the creditor for the services they have provided you.
  3. Make sure that you include the reason why you missed the payment.

What do I say to get late payments removed?

Probably, the only thing you can do is ask for a ``goodwill deletion.'' Tell them why you were late, be humble, and put yourself on autopay. Say this will never happen again.

How do you convince a creditor to remove late payments?

Goodwill Adjustment: If you have a generally good payment history with the creditor, you can write a goodwill letter requesting the removal of the late payment. Explain any extenuating circumstances that led to the late payment and highlight your otherwise positive history.

How do I write a letter of explanation for late payments?

5 tips for a good letter of explanation
  1. Keep it short and to the point. The mortgage underwriter is looking for clarification on a specific issue, so stick to that topic. ...
  2. Emphasize the circumstances that led to the issue. ...
  3. Explain how your finances have improved. ...
  4. Proofread your letter. ...
  5. Be nice.

Can a goodwill letter remove a charge-off?

You can write a goodwill letter to the creditor asking them to remove the charge-off from your credit report. Explain your situation and why they should make an exception for you.

Writing An Effective Goodwill Letter | Essential Steps To Remove Late Payments

21 related questions found

How do I write a goodwill letter to remove late payments?

It's important to acknowledge your misstep in the letter and provide a short explanation for why you missed or were late on a payment. Perhaps you lost your job, had sudden medical bills, or experienced another financial hardship. You can also talk about how the negative impact on your credit score is affecting you.

How do I ask my creditor to remove a charge-off?

You can ask them—very politely—what it would take to have the charge-off removed. At the very least, they'll likely ask you to pay back a portion of what you owe. In this situation, some creditors may offer a “Pay for Delete” agreement. Bear in mind that some, but not all, creditors allow this type of agreement.

What is a 609 letter to remove late payments?

A 609 letter won't erase valid negative marks like late payments, defaults, or collections if the information has been verified and is correct. Additionally, 609 letters won't relieve you of your obligation to repay any existing debt.

What is a good explanation for late payments?

When explaining a delay in payment, honesty and transparency are key. Begin by acknowledging the missed deadline and express your commitment to resolving the situation. Clearly state the reason for the delay, whether it's a financial discrepancy, processing error, or unforeseen circumstances.

How do I write a late payment letter?

FAQs
  1. State the purpose of your message – the need for payment.
  2. Provide details about the outstanding invoice.
  3. Express understanding of delays the recipient may be facing.
  4. Communicate the consequences of further delay.
  5. Offer assistance if needed.
  6. End with a thank you and a CTA for prompt payment.

Who do I send a goodwill deletion letter to?

A goodwill letter is a formal letter sent to a creditor, lender or collection agency to request forgiveness for a late payment or other negative item on your credit report. In the letter, you typically: Explain the circumstances that led to the late payment or issue.

What is a good faith letter?

This letter is often called a good faith letter. And it is needed under many courts' rules before you can file a motion to compel discovery if the other party ignores your requests or provides evasive responses or move for sanctions if your opponent refuses to comply with the court's discovery order.

How often do goodwill letters work?

As I mentioned in the intro, goodwill letters can be effective, but there's no guarantee they'll work. Success rates vary depending on the creditor, your credit history, and the specific circumstances surrounding the negative mark.

How do I write an apology letter for a late payment?

I understand that my company owes your company (Exact amount of money), and I am writing this letter in order to apologize for the late payment. The payment will be sent to you by (date). We have been having a slight problem with our accounts systems although we have now corrected the problem.

How do I get my lender to remove late payments?

You can request the change in two ways:
  1. Call your lender on the phone and ask to have the payment deleted. The first person you talk with most likely will not be able to help you. ...
  2. Write a letter and ask for a removal.

How to write a goodwill letter to remove late payments?

How to write a goodwill letter
  1. Offer an apology and be as sincere as possible.
  2. Express your gratitude to the creditor for the services they have provided you.
  3. Make sure that you include the reason why you missed the payment.
  4. State your case as eloquently as possible.

How to ask for late payment forgiveness?

If you missed a payment because of extenuating circumstances and you've brought account current, you could try to contact the creditor or send a goodwill letter and ask them to remove the late payment.

How to write a letter of credit explanation?

While the content of the letter will change depending on your situation, there are a few important aspects to include:
  1. Provide all details the best you can, including correct dates and dollar amounts.
  2. Explain how and when all situations were resolved. ...
  3. Detail why problems won't happen again.

How do I write a letter to a creditor to remove a late payment?

I truly believe that it doesn't reflect my creditworthiness and commitment to repaying my debts. It would help me immensely if you could give me a second chance and make a goodwill adjustment to remove the late [payment/payments] on [date/dates]. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope you'll approve my request.

What is a 6 o 9 letter for debt collection?

A 609 dispute letter is a formal request sent to credit bureaus to verify the accuracy of the information on your credit report. The name “609” comes from Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which grants you the right to request this information.

Can you call a creditor to remove late payments?

If there's an incorrect late payment on your credit reports, you can file a dispute with the creditor or the corresponding credit bureau to try and get the mark removed. But if the late payment is correct, you should know you probably won't be able to get rid of the derogatory mark before its time.

What is a goodwill deletion?

When you send a creditor a goodwill letter, you're asking it to contact the credit bureaus to remove a legitimate negative mark from your credit reports (one for which you're at fault).

How do you write a letter to creditor to remove charge-off?

Dear [insert collector's name] [or Collection Manager], I am writing in reference to a debt claimed under the account number listed above. I wish to settle this debt in full without prejudice, in return for removal of its “charge-off” status with any credit reporting agencies that you have reported to.

How do you politely ask to remove service charges?

' If you truly don't feel like the service is worthy of the charge on the bill, don't get mean about it, just be, as John-Paul recommends, 'direct and honest'. 'No reason needs to be given,' he goes on, 'however, if you are asked, then give your polite feedback in an honest, but short to-the-point manner.