Failed GW Letter - 2nd Course of Action?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Could someone please help? I received negative feedback from 1st Financial and Capital One in regards to my GWs. They are for COs which were paid in full (prior to me finding myfico.com which makes me realize i should have PFDs instead).

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Here is the letter I wrote (best copy and paste job if i ever saw one) ^_^

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing a letter about my experience with 1st Financial Bank USA that is a mixture of a grateful "thank-you" and a pressing request concerning a 1st Financial Bank USA Charge Card trade-line in my credit files that I would like to have revised.

My credit card account with 1st Financial Bank USA card was first opened on April 1, 2003 - several years before I was laid-off from work, which subsequently resulted in my being diagnosed with depression. Later when I experienced the depression and while working on trying to find a new job, I became disorganized with respect to, as you saw, making timely payments to my 1st Financial Bank USA credit card. I fully recognize my responsibility with respect to payable accounts and have worked diligently to rehabilitate my relationship with 1st Financial Bank since that time resulting in my account being paid off in full, rather than accepting any settlement offers.

To be honest, that year was a "wake-up" call for me regarding fiscal organization. Since then I believe I have learned the essential organizational and financial management principles I desperately needed at that point. Thankfully, responsible credit management is now reflected in my credit records which -- excluding the 1st Financial Bank USA card charge-off entry -- are excellent. I wish to thank you for renewing your confidence in me and for giving me a second chance at a relationship with you, one that I am determined to keep spotless.

I am about to shop for a house mortgage, and it has come to my attention that these negative charge-offs notations from 1st Financial Bank may preclude me from taking full advantage of the very lowest interest rates now available. Since those notations do not reflect my current and accurate status with 1st Financial Bank USA, I am requesting that you give me a second chance at a positive credit rating by revising those trade-lines. Your customer service representative suggested that I write you for a "goodwill adjustment." I sincerely hope that there is redemption at 1st Financial USA, and I beg you for such consideration. Please let me know if any additional documentation would assist in reaching a positive outcome, and I thank you again for the time you have spent reading this letter.

Very hopefully yours,

ibe

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Here is the response I got:

Dear ibe:

We are in receipt of your letter dated July 07 2007 requesting 1st Financial Bank USA change the status reported on the account number referenced above.

Although we understand your concerns regarding your credit history, please note that Federal law requires our institution to report accurate customer information to the credit-reporting agencies. Therefore, once reported, we will not alter or delete this credit information unless we have reason to believe that the data reported was inaccurate.

We believe that the information reported to the credit-reporting agencies on your account accurately reflects the manner in which it was handled.

We regret that we were not able to be of further assistance to you. If you have additional questions, please contact me at (800)7331732.

yada yada yada


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Now my question is, what course of action should i pursue? Would it be best to keep writing GWs? The failed GW response from crap one is along the same lines as this.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps you could call and be your charming self to the person on the other end.  If that fails, ask for a supervisor.  Repeat sob story. 

Also, www.planetfeedback.com

Hmm, you might try and get in touch personally with a high ranking member of the company.  '

Keep us updated.

[Anonymous]

First - that was an excellent letter!

I am on third and fourth GWs on a couple of accounts. I think the key is to not take NO for an answer.

I just keep adding details each time. Good luck and I *might* borrow your wording...!

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Perhaps you could call and be your charming self to the person on the other end. If that fails, ask for a supervisor. Repeat sob story.

Also, www.planetfeedback.com

Hmm, you might try and get in touch personally with a high ranking member of the company. '

Keep us updated.

---

...what is planetfeedback...??

[Anonymous]

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adrevolution wrote:

Perhaps you could call and be your charming self to the person on the other end.  If that fails, ask for a supervisor.  Repeat sob story. 

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I have found that a few tears can go a long way here. Don't forget to add a couple small hiccups as well. Nothing to major, just enough to let them know that you are really really sorry.

I kid of course.

Now for the serious answer.

I got a rejection letter my first time out of the box, but in all fairness, mine was much more of a form letter saying that their reporting of the account was correct.  A few weeks later, the baddies (which were legit) were erased. I would maybe definetely try again, either in writing or on the phone, or both.  Whats the wrost that can happen? They already rejected you. The next person may listen.  If you hear the same excuse for three people in a row, it may just be their corporate line.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Perhaps you could call and be your charming self to the person on the other end. If that fails, ask for a supervisor. Repeat sob story.

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I have found that a few tears can go a long way here. Don't forget to add a couple small hiccups as well. Nothing to major, just enough to let them know that you are really really sorry.

I kid of course.

Now for the serious answer.

I got a rejection letter my first time out of the box, but in all fairness, mine was much more of a form letter saying that their reporting of the account was correct. A few weeks later, the baddies (which were legit) were erased. I would maybe definetely try again, either in writing or on the phone, or both. Whats the wrost that can happen? They already rejected you. The next person may listen. If you hear the same excuse for three people in a row, it may just be their corporate line.

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what kind of baddies did you have? i'm trying to get PIF COs erased from my reports.

[Anonymous]

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ibe333333 wrote:



what kind of baddies did you have? i'm trying to get PIF COs erased from my reports.

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Mine were all late payments.  The Walmart one was minor. Just one late payment that was 30+ overdue.

The next one was on a car payment where I went something like 90+ days overdue.

The last was a refi that was defaulted on due to the BK, but they were reporting them after my BK date. They didn't really have a choice on that one because that loan was included in the BK, but they could have dragged their heels and made me fight it off my CR, so I was happy that my GW letter worked.

The main thing to remember when writing these GW letters, is to keep it very civil if not downright polite no matter how angry you are and how much in the right you think you are. The person who gets the letter is most likely not the person who put the marks on your CR, but they do most likely have the power to do you a solid by removing.it.  I think some people let their ego get in the way of having success. If in doubt when writing one of these letters, let someone else proof read it. They will have nothing invested in the process, and can judge it with an un-slanted eye.

Message Edited by KevKaos on 07-31-2007 05:39 AM