A single late payment can drop your credit score by 50–100 points — and stay on your report for up to 7 years. Ouch. The good news? You can remove late payments from your credit report — legally — if you know what to do and how to do it right.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn: ✅ When you can remove a late payment ✅ How to write a goodwill letter that actually works ✅ What to do if your creditor says “no” ✅ How to dispute incorrect late payments ✅ And when to get help so you don’t make it worse

📉 How Late Payments Hurt Your Credit Score

Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score — it makes up 35% of your FICO score. Even one 30-day late mark can knock you down fast.

Late payments can:

• Lower your score for years

• Make lenders see you as risky

• Raise your interest rates on loans and credit cards

• Make it harder to get approved for new credit

⚡ Can You Remove Late Payments?

Yes — but not all late payments can be removed. Here’s when you have a shot:

✅ If the late payment was reported incorrectly — for example, you actually paid on time but the lender messed up. ✅ If you have a good payment history and want to ask for a one-time removal as a courtesy. ✅ If you catch it early and the creditor hasn’t reported it yet.

📝 Step 1: Check Your Credit Reports

Start by pulling your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review each late payment and note:

• The creditor name

• The date of the late payment

• The account status

  
  

If you spot an error — like a late payment that shouldn’t be there — you have a right to dispute it.

📮 Step 2: Write a Goodwill Letter

A goodwill letter is a polite request asking your lender to remove a late mark as a favor.

It works best if:

• You’ve never been late before (or rarely)

• You’ve fixed the issue that caused the late payment

• You’re a loyal customer in good standing

  
  

How to write it:

• Be polite and professional

• Explain why you were late (job loss, illness, moved banks)

• Highlight your on-time history

• Promise it won’t happen again

Example:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Date]

[Creditor Name]

[Creditor Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

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

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in reference to my account #[Account Number]. I have reviewed my credit report and noticed it reflects a late payment reported for [Month, Year]. I acknowledge my account history overall has been positive and this isolated instance does not accurately represent my long-term payment behavior.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), I understand that all information furnished to credit bureaus must be complete, accurate, and verifiable, and must follow Metro 2 reporting guidelines. I respectfully request a goodwill adjustment to update or remove this late payment so that my account history more accurately reflects my overall responsible payment behavior.

I have since taken steps to ensure timely payments, including setting up autopay and additional reminders. I value our relationship and have consistently maintained my account in good standing outside of this isolated incident.

Please review this request at your earliest convenience. If you agree to this goodwill adjustment, please update your reporting to the credit bureaus to reflect a positive payment history for the affected month, in accordance with Metro 2 standards and FCRA obligations.

I appreciate your time and consideration in reviewing my request and look forward to your favorable response.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

🔑 Pro Tip:

Always send this by certified mail, keep a copy for your records, and follow up with the creditor if you don’t hear back in 30 days.

✅ Step 3: Dispute Incorrect Late Payments

If the late payment is wrong — maybe you have proof you paid on time — you can dispute it directly with the credit bureaus:

1️⃣ Gather your proof (bank statements, payment confirmation) 2️⃣ File a dispute online or by mail with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion 3️⃣ They have 30 days to investigate and correct it if it’s inaccurate.

⚠️ What If They Say No?

Sometimes creditors refuse goodwill letters — or disputes come back “verified.” Don’t panic. You still have options:

• Try again in a few months

• Call customer service and ask to escalate

• Work with a professional credit repair company that knows how to handle stubborn creditors and keep it legal

❌ When DIY Fixes Can Backfire

Many people don’t realize:

• Repeated disputes with no new info can hurt your chances.

• Admitting you were late (in writing) can limit other strategies.

• Sending the wrong letter or evidence can get your dispute thrown out.

  
  

👉 That’s why so many people choose to have credit pros handle tough late payments the right way — so you don’t risk making it worse.

✅ Pro Tips to Avoid Late Payments in the Future

• Set up autopay for minimum payments

• Add calendar reminders for due dates

• Keep a buffer in your bank account

• Ask your creditors if they offer payment alerts

❓ FAQs

Q: How long do late payments stay on my credit report?

A: Up to 7 years from the date you missed the payment.

Q: Does paying off the late account remove the late mark?

A: No — paying off the balance doesn’t erase the late payment history. That’s why you need to request removal or dispute it if it’s incorrect.

Q: Can I pay someone to remove a late payment?

A: Be careful — no one can guarantee removal of legit negative info. But a reputable credit repair company can help you challenge inaccurate marks or negotiate with creditors properly.

🔑 Final Takeaway

A late payment doesn’t have to haunt your credit forever — but removing it takes the right strategy. Don’t risk mistakes that could cost you thousands in higher rates.

👉 Want help getting late payments removed legally — and rebuilding your credit the smart way? Book Your Free Credit Review Today!