A single late payment can be devastating. According to FICO data, missing a payment by just 30 days can drop a good credit score by up to 100 points overnight.
It feels unfair, especially if it was a simple mistake. The good news? It is absolutely possible to Remove Late Payments from Credit Report without waiting 7 years for them to fall off naturally.
In this 2026 guide, we will show you the effective strategies to clean up your history, including the famous “Goodwill Letter” template.
(For a complete plan on fixing your score, read our master guide on How to Boost Credit Score Fast).
Can You Really Remove Late Payments?
Yes, but the strategy depends on why the payment was marked late.
If it is an error: You can dispute it legally.
If you were actually late: You can use a specific request to Remove Late Payments from Credit Report by asking for forgiveness (Goodwill).
Strategy 1: The “Goodwill Letter” (Best for One-Time Mistakes)
If you have been a good customer for years and just missed one payment, this is your best shot. You are writing to the creditor to ask for a “Goodwill Adjustment.”
Free Goodwill Letter Template (2026)
Copy and edit this text. Send it via certified mail to your creditor.
Subject: Goodwill Adjustment Request for Account [Insert Account Number]
Dear [Name of Bank/Creditor],
I am writing to you regarding my account [Insert Account Number]. I have been a loyal customer since [Year], and I take pride in managing my finances.
I noticed a late payment marker on my credit report for [Date]. At that time, I experienced [Briefly explain reason: e.g., a medical emergency], which caused me to miss the payment. Since then, I have brought my account current.
I am respectfully requesting a “Goodwill Adjustment” to remove late payments from credit report records associated with this account. This negative mark is hurting my ability to refinance my home, and I would be grateful for your help.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Strategy 2: Dispute Inaccuracies (The Legal Way)
If the late payment is technically incorrect, the credit bureaus must remove it. Check your report on AnnualCreditReport.com.
Look for these errors:
You paid on time, but they marked it late.
The late date is wrong (e.g., 20 days late, not 30).
If you find any error, file a dispute immediately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is the fastest way to Remove Late Payments from Credit Report permanently.
Strategy 3: Pay for Delete (For Collections)
If your debt has gone to collections, a Goodwill Letter won’t work. You can try to negotiate a “Pay for Delete.” This means you offer to pay the debt in full if the collector agrees to delete the collection account.
Warning: Get this agreement in writing before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do late payments stay on my report? Legally, late payments can stay on your credit report for 7 years. This is why taking action now is so valuable.
Does paying off a late account remove the late mark? No. Paying it off stops future damage, but the history remains. You must use a Goodwill Letter or Dispute to actually Remove Late Payments from Credit Report history.
Can I use a credit repair company? You can, but they use these exact same methods. You can do it yourself for free.
Conclusion
You don’t have to live with a mistake for 7 years. Whether you use a Goodwill Letter or dispute an error, taking action to Remove Late Payments from Credit Report is one of the highest-ROI moves you can make.
Start writing that letter today. A cleaner report means lower interest rates and better approval odds.
(Need money to pay off the debt first? Check our list of Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit).
