A “Sample Letter To Remove Late Payment From Credit Report” is a request. It asks a creditor to remove a late payment mark. This mark hurts your credit score. You might need this letter if you paid late due to hardship. Maybe there was an error.
Want to fix your credit report? We can help. This article offers letter templates. Use our samples to write your own request.
We provide examples for various situations. Tailor these letters to fit your needs. Let’s improve your credit score together.
Sample Letter To Remove Late Payment From Credit Report
## Sample Letter To Remove Late Payment From Credit Report
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
**Subject: Request to Remove Late Payment – Account Number [Your Account Number]**
Dear [Credit Bureau Name] Dispute Department,
I am writing to dispute a late payment reported on my credit report for account number [Your Account Number] with [Creditor Name]. The late payment is listed as occurring in [Month, Year].
I understand the importance of maintaining a good credit history and I strive to pay all my bills on time. [Choose ONE of the following reasons and tailor it to your specific situation. Delete the options you don’t use. Be honest and concise.]
* **Option 1 (Good Payment History):** Prior to this instance, I have consistently made timely payments on this account for [Number] years. This single late payment is an anomaly in my otherwise excellent payment record.
* **Option 2 (One-Time Issue):** This late payment was due to [Briefly explain the reason for the late payment, e.g., a medical emergency, job loss, or unexpected travel]. This was a one-time situation, and I have taken steps to ensure it does not happen again.
* **Option 3 (Clerical Error):** I believe this late payment was reported in error. [Explain why you believe it was an error. For example, you may have evidence of on-time payment].
I respectfully request that you investigate this matter and remove the reported late payment from my credit report. I believe its removal would more accurately reflect my creditworthiness.
I have attached [Mention any supporting documents you are including, e.g., proof of payment, medical records, or a letter from your creditor].
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
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How to Write Letter To Remove Late Payment From Credit Report
Subject Line: Conveying Urgency and Specificity
- Employ a subject line that is both succinct and indicative of the letter’s purpose. For example: “Request for Goodwill Deletion – [Your Account Number] – Late Payment on [Date]”.
- Avoid ambiguity. Be direct about your request to ensure it is routed to the appropriate department expediently.
Salutation: A Formal Overture
- Address the creditor or collection agency with a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Name of Contact Person or Department]”.
- If the contact person’s name is unavailable, use a generic but professional greeting like “To Whom It May Concern”.
- Maintain a respectful tone from the outset; civility is paramount.
Introduction: Setting the Stage with Politeness
- Begin by identifying yourself, including your name and account number.
- Acknowledge the late payment and provide the specific date it occurred.
- Express contrition for the delinquency, but refrain from excessive self-deprecation.
- Briefly allude to your hitherto impeccable payment history, if applicable.
Body Paragraph 1: Explaining Extenuating Circumstances
- Articulate the reason for the late payment with transparency. Were there unforeseen medical expenses? A job displacement? A family exigency?
- Be forthcoming, but avoid melodramatic embellishments. Stick to the salient facts.
- Emphasize the temporary nature of the hardship that led to the delayed payment.
- If possible, corroborate your explanation with supporting documentation (medical bills, layoff notices, etc.). However, use discretion; only include relevant and readily verifiable evidence.
Body Paragraph 2: Underscoring Your Commitment and Request
- Reiterate your dedication to fulfilling your financial obligations promptly.
- Highlight your positive payment history before and after the isolated incident.
- Clearly state your request for a “goodwill deletion” of the late payment from your credit report.
- Explain that the negative mark is disproportionately impacting your creditworthiness and hindering your ability to, for instance, secure a loan or refinance a mortgage.
Closing: A Courteous Denouement
- Express gratitude for their time and consideration.
- Reiterate your hope for a favorable resolution.
- Offer to provide any additional information they may require.
- Employ a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully”.
Signature: Formal Authentication
- Include your full name, both typed and signed.
- Beneath your name, provide your contact information: phone number and email address.
- Ensure the letter is dated.
- Retain a copy of the letter for your records, along with any supporting documentation you included.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Removing Late Payments From Your Credit Report
Late payments can negatively impact your credit score. Understanding the process of disputing and potentially removing these entries is crucial for credit health.
1. When should I send a goodwill letter?
A goodwill letter should be sent if the late payment was a one-time occurrence due to extenuating circumstances, and you have otherwise maintained a good payment history with the creditor.
2. What information should be included in the letter?
The letter should include your account number, a clear explanation of the reason for the late payment, an acknowledgment of your responsibility, and a request for the creditor to remove the negative mark as a goodwill gesture.
3. To whom should I address the letter?
Address the letter to the creditor’s customer service department or to a specific individual if you have a direct contact. Searching online for the correct department or contact may be useful.
4. How long does it take to get a response?
Response times vary. Allow several weeks for the creditor to review your request and respond. Following up after a reasonable period (e.g., 30 days) is acceptable.
5. What if the creditor refuses to remove the late payment?
If the creditor refuses, the late payment will likely remain on your credit report for seven years. Focus on maintaining a positive payment history going forward to improve your credit score.