What Is a Goodwill Letter and How to Write One
A goodwill letter is a simple, polite request asking a creditor to remove a late payment or other negative mark from your credit report as a gesture of “goodwill.” While creditors are not required to grant these requests, many people have seen success especially if the late payment was an isolated incident and you’ve otherwise been a responsible customer.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to write an effective goodwill letter, who should send one, and real examples that work in 2025.
What Is a Goodwill Letter?
A goodwill letter is a written explanation sent to a creditor or loan servicer asking them to remove a negative item from your credit report. Unlike a dispute (which challenges accuracy), a goodwill letter acknowledges the mistake and asks for leniency.
Most commonly used to request:
- Removal of a late payment
- Deletion of a paid collection
- Reinstatement of positive account status
When to Send a Goodwill Letter
You’re more likely to be successful if:
- The account is already paid or current
- You have a long history of on-time payments
- The late payment was a one-time event
- You experienced a temporary hardship (medical issue, job loss, etc.)
- You’re trying to qualify for a mortgage, loan, or apartment
Creditors are more flexible when you’ve proven responsible overall and aren’t trying to game the system.
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Goodwill Letter
1. Gather Your Information
Before writing the letter, make sure you have:
- Account number
- Exact date of the late payment
- Your current credit report
- Payment history on the account
2. Address It to the Right Person
Send the letter to the creditor’s billing department, customer service, or executive offices. Avoid sending to the credit bureaus — they don’t remove items based on goodwill letters.
3. Write Your Letter (Sample Below)
Example Goodwill Letter Template:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
RE: Account #XXXXXXX
Dear [Creditor Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],
I’m writing to request a goodwill adjustment for a late payment reported on [Date] for my account #XXXXXXX. I take full responsibility for the missed payment and sincerely apologize.
At the time, I was experiencing [brief explanation of hardship, e.g., a medical emergency, job loss, etc.]. Since then, I’ve made every payment on time and remain committed to maintaining a positive relationship with your company.
This late mark is negatively impacting my credit score as I prepare to [reason, e.g., apply for a mortgage, refinance my student loans, etc.]. I kindly ask if you would consider removing this one late payment from my credit reports as a gesture of goodwill.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep it short: Stay under one page.
- Stay professional and polite: This isn’t a demand or dispute.
- Explain your situation clearly: Be honest, but don’t overshare.
- Emphasize good history: Mention any long-term loyalty or consistent payments.
- Send it the right way: Mail it via certified mail, or send via the creditor’s secure message system if available.
Who to Send It To (and How)
Look for:
- Customer service address on your billing statements
- Executive contact info from the creditor’s website or LinkedIn
- Credit card issuer portals (some allow secure message uploads)
Mailing works best if you can’t find a direct online option. Always keep a copy for your records.
What to Expect After You Send It
- Some companies will notify you of a decision within 30 days.
- Others may not respond at all don’t hesitate to follow up.
- If denied, wait a few months and try again especially if your credit or history has improved.
Do Goodwill Letters Actually Work?
Yes but it depends on:
- The creditor’s policy
- The age of the late payment
- Your account standing
Some creditors, like Capital One, Discover, or American Express, have been known to grant goodwill removals. Others, like Navient or federal student loan servicers, are often stricter.
Still, it never hurts to try the worst they can say is no.
Final Thoughts
Goodwill letters aren’t guaranteed to work, but when written respectfully and backed by a solid history, they can be an effective tool in credit repair. Always follow up, stay professional, and remember: even if it doesn’t work today, time and good behavior will still help your score improve.
Next up: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy — a step-by-step playbook for bouncing back after financial hardship.
