Remove a Late Payment With a Goodwill Letter
A single isolated late payment can drop your credit score 60–110 points. A well-written goodwill letter gives you a real shot at getting it removed — no cost, no risk. Use Goodwill to generate yours in under two minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a goodwill adjustment letter?
A goodwill adjustment letter is a request to a creditor asking them to voluntarily remove a late payment notation from your credit report. Unlike a dispute (which claims inaccuracy), a goodwill letter acknowledges the payment was late and asks for a one-time act of good faith given your otherwise positive history.
Does sending a goodwill letter hurt my credit?
No. Sending a goodwill letter cannot hurt your credit score. The worst outcome is a denial letter — the late mark stays where it is. There is no downside to trying, and some creditors (especially those with whom you have a long positive relationship) do grant these requests.
How long does the creditor have to respond?
There is no legal deadline for goodwill requests — they are entirely voluntary. Most responses arrive within 2–4 weeks. If you receive no response in 30 days, follow up by phone. Some consumers have success sending the same letter 2–3 times to different departments or agents.
Which creditors are most likely to grant goodwill adjustments?
Credit unions and smaller community banks tend to have more flexibility than large national banks. Creditors where you have a long positive history are also more likely to grant requests. Capital One has historically been one of the less flexible lenders; American Express and Discover have been more responsive. Results vary by agent and timing.
Can I dispute a late payment instead?
Only if the late payment notation is factually inaccurate. Under the FCRA, you have the right to dispute any information you believe is incorrect. However, disputing an accurate late payment is unlikely to succeed — bureaus will verify it with the creditor and confirm it. A goodwill letter is the appropriate approach for a confirmed but isolated late payment.