How to Request a Goodwill Deletion for Your Credit Report

A goodwill deletion is a request to a creditor to remove a negative mark, like a late payment, from your credit report. Creditors grant these requests based on their willingness to act out of “goodwill,” not legal obligation. Individuals seek goodwill deletions to improve their credit score and address a single past mistake affecting their financial standing. While not guaranteed, a successful deletion can help future financial opportunities.

Determining Eligibility for a Goodwill Deletion

Creditors typically consider several factors when evaluating a goodwill deletion request. Late payments (30, 60, or 90 days past due) are the most common and generally more successful candidates for removal. More severe negative entries, such as charge-offs, accounts in collections, or bankruptcies, are generally not eligible for goodwill deletions due to their serious nature.

A strong overall payment history with the creditor significantly increases the likelihood of success. Creditors are more inclined to grant a goodwill request if you have consistently made on-time payments, especially both before and after the isolated incident. Goodwill deletions are usually considered for a single, isolated late payment rather than a pattern of missed payments, indicating that the incident was an anomaly.

The reason for the late payment also plays a role. Acceptable explanations often include unforeseen circumstances like a medical emergency, a temporary financial hardship, or an administrative error. These reasons help demonstrate that the late payment was an exception caused by factors beyond your usual financial management. The length of your relationship with the creditor can also influence their willingness to extend goodwill.

Preparing Your Goodwill Deletion Request

Preparing your goodwill deletion request involves gathering specific information and structuring a clear, polite letter. You will need your full name, the account number associated with the negative mark, the exact date of the late payment, and the amount of the payment. If applicable, identify the specific reason that led to the late payment.

The request is typically presented in a formal letter format. Begin by clearly stating the purpose of your letter: a request for a goodwill deletion for a specific late payment on the identified account. Include all relevant account details and your contact information.

Provide context for the late payment, explaining the reason in a brief, honest, and non-blaming manner, emphasizing that it was an isolated incident. Highlight your positive payment history with the creditor, such as being a loyal customer or always paying on time except for this one instance. Explain how this single negative mark is impacting your credit, such as hindering your ability to qualify for a mortgage or disproportionately affecting your credit score.

Conclude the letter with a clear and polite request for the goodwill deletion. Maintain a respectful and professional tone, avoiding any demanding or aggressive language.

Submitting Your Goodwill Deletion Request

Submit your goodwill deletion request directly to the creditor. Goodwill deletions are granted at the creditor’s discretion, not the credit bureaus, so direct communication with the creditor is necessary. You can often find the appropriate mailing address for customer service on the creditor’s website or your monthly statements.

Sending your letter via certified mail with a return receipt provides proof of delivery. Many creditors also offer online portals or secure messaging systems for electronic submission. While calling customer service is an option, a written request is generally preferred as it creates a clear record of your communication and detailed request.

After submitting your request, allow approximately 30 to 45 days for the creditor to process and respond. If you do not receive a response within this timeframe, you may follow up by phone or secure message, referencing your original request. Monitor your credit report, which you can access annually for free at annualcreditreport.com, to see if the deletion has been processed. Changes may take time to reflect across all credit bureaus.

The creditor may approve your request and remove the negative mark, deny it, or not respond at all. While there is no guarantee of success, making a well-prepared and polite request is a step you can take to potentially improve your credit standing.