Goodwill Letters: How to Ask Creditors for Forgiveness

While disputing inaccurate information is your legal right under the FCRA, what do you do about negative items that are accurate? This is where goodwill letters come in—a polite request asking creditors to remove negative marks as a gesture of goodwill.

What is a Goodwill Letter?

A goodwill letter is a written request to a creditor asking them to remove a negative item (usually a late payment) from your credit report. Unlike formal disputes, goodwill letters appeal to human compassion and your history as a customer rather than legal rights.

When to Use Goodwill Letters

Best Scenarios:

• You have one or two late payments on an otherwise perfect payment history
• The late payment was due to a legitimate hardship (medical emergency, job loss, etc.)
• You've been a long-time customer with the creditor
• The account is currently in good standing
• You've already paid off the balance

Don't Bother If:

• You have a pattern of late payments
• The account is in collections
• You're currently delinquent
• The creditor has a strict policy against goodwill adjustments

Key Elements of an Effective Goodwill Letter

1. Take Responsibility

Don't make excuses or blame the creditor. Acknowledge that you were late and take full responsibility.

2. Explain the Circumstances

Briefly explain what caused the late payment—but keep it factual and brief. One paragraph maximum.

3. Highlight Your Positive History

Emphasize your years of on-time payments, loyalty as a customer, and current good standing.

4. Make a Clear Request

Specifically ask them to remove the late payment marks from your credit report as a goodwill gesture.

5. Keep It Short

One page maximum. Decision-makers are busy—respect their time.

Sample Goodwill Letter Template

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Creditor's Name]
[Address]

Re: Account #[Your Account Number]
Request for Goodwill Adjustment

Dear [Creditor Name],

I am writing to request your consideration in removing the late payment mark(s) from my credit report for the above-referenced account.

I have been a customer of [Creditor] for [X years] and have maintained a strong payment history throughout our relationship. Unfortunately, in [Month Year], I experienced [brief explanation: medical emergency, temporary job loss, etc.], which caused me to miss my payment deadline.

I take full responsibility for this oversight. Since then, I have brought my account current and have made all subsequent payments on time. I deeply value our business relationship and the trust you've placed in me as a customer.

I am kindly requesting that you remove the late payment notation(s) from my credit report as a gesture of goodwill. This adjustment would significantly help my financial recovery and demonstrate the strength of our ongoing relationship.

Thank you for considering my request. I genuinely appreciate your time and understanding.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]

How to Send Your Letter

• Find the right address: Look for the "executive office" or "customer advocacy" department
• Send via certified mail: Get proof of delivery
• Follow up: Call after 2 weeks if you don't hear back
• Be persistent but polite: If denied, wait 3-6 months and try again

Success Rate and Expectations

Goodwill letters have about a 30-40% success rate—much higher if you meet the "best scenarios" criteria above. Some creditors have strict policies against goodwill adjustments, while others (especially smaller banks and credit unions) are more flexible.

What If They Say No?

If your goodwill letter is denied:

• Try again in 6 months (policies and representatives change)
• Call and speak to a supervisor
• Look for technical errors or Metro-2® violations you can dispute formally
• Focus on building new positive credit history to offset the negative item

Combine Strategies

Use goodwill letters for accurate late payments while simultaneously disputing inaccurate items with OriumAI. Our AI finds Metro-2® compliance violations that give you legal grounds for removal, maximizing your overall success rate.