A guy at the bank in Tacoma told me to ask for a 'goodwill adjustment' on a late payment.

I was trying to get a car loan last month and my credit was just under where it needed to be. The loan officer, an older guy named Carl, saw a late payment from two years ago on my report. He leaned over his desk and said, 'Call the card company, tell them you've been a good customer, and ask for a goodwill adjustment to remove it.' I did exactly that, and they actually took it off after I asked three times. Has anyone else had luck with this on an older account?

4 comments

4 Comments

charlieh741mo agoMost Upvoted

Ever wonder if this works with utility companies? My water bill got lost in the mail once, paid it the second I got the late notice. Called them up, just a regular customer service line, and the guy said he could put in a "courtesy credit" for the late fee and it wouldn't be reported. I didn't even have to ask for the report part, he just offered. Makes me think a lot of these places have a button they can press if you're nice about it and it's a one time thing.

murray.pat20d ago

Totally see this everywhere. It's like the whole system runs on hidden goodwill buttons (for the first offense anyway). Makes you question what other "rules" are actually just soft suggestions waiting for a polite ask.

rosecarr1mo ago

Remember hearing about that trick years ago from my uncle who used to sell used cars. He said it only works if you haven't been late since, like you're asking for one free pass. Makes you wonder why more people don't try it, right? Seems like the companies just hope you never ask. I guess they figure most folks just accept the bad mark and move on.

caseywalker1mo ago

My buddy had a late payment hit his credit report after a hospital stay messed up his mail. He called the company, explained the whole situation, and they actually removed it after one polite phone call. He said the key was being really calm and having a good record otherwise. It's crazy how much power they have to just wipe that stuff clean if they want to. Your uncle was totally right about it being a free pass sort of thing. Most people probably just assume it's set in stone and don't even bother asking.