According to Experian, I was late 8 times on my only CC account. All were 30 days.
2003 - Dec
2004 - Nov
2005 - Mar, Sep
2006 - Jan, Mar, Oct
2008 - Jun
I tried unsuccessfully to get them all removed thru goodwill dispute thru the CRAs. (I was unemployed and my ailing father's 24/7 caregiver for 10 years.)
Now I'm thinking I should dispute the most recent one only. The reason for that one is that I was away from home, caring for my brother while he underwent cancer treatment.
Why would I dispute only one? Because if it were removed, then the remaining late payments would be over 2 years old.
Questions:
1. Is it worthwhile to dispute only 1 late payment if I have 8 total?
2. If I'm successful in getting it removed, would it significantly increase my credit score? (It's my only credit card.)
3. Should I try removing the rest of the late payments via GW letter to the lender? I dunno if my reason is valid enough for removal.
Postscript: My father passed away in March, 2008 from complications related to ALS. After not working for over 10 years, I got employed in December, 2008. Am working hard to rebuild my credit and become a member of society once again.
