GW letter...please read/edit..

[silly34]

Ok so I've been turned down a few times by BoA, they keep saying illegal blah blah.. so I got frustrated and wrote this (below). Instead of mailing it I am posting it, please hack it to death, who knows maybe I can get a GREAT letter out of it? :0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to see if you would be willing to make a "goodwill" adjustment to your reporting to the three credit agencies. I have some late payments on the above referenced account (October 2004, November 2004, December 2004). I am not disputing the information as incorrect but am requesting a goodwill adjustment.

Because of my good payment history over the last 5 years, I would like you to consider removing these negative payments from my credit report. At the time of the late payments, I was in the process of starting a new job. I say that not to justify why payment was late, but rather to show that the late payment is not a good indicator of my actual credit worthiness. I hope that Bank of America is willing to work with me on erasing these marks from my credit reports.

I’ve also done some research to be sure I could ask for this goodwill gesture from Bank of America (myFico.com). I’ve found it is not illegal for a creditor to remove information from the credit reporting agencies as a gesture by a business to a customer.

I hope that you will deeply consider my request. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

[SmartCookie]

Account still open?  What type of lates were these?  Did you also try speaking with them? 

Letter is nice, I think it just needs to be sent till someone finally responds.  I would consider turning up the pity factor (new job after eating canned tuna for 3 months of unemployment etc... ok maybe not that far but yanno) though and rewording your 5 year good payment history if these derogs are from 2004.

Maybe let them know how much the removal of these derogs will help you... that now that you have maintained a good credit history and intend to keep it so, you want to get a car loan so that you can drive your kid to pre-school etc etc.  Make their heart bleed without overkill.

And actually JMHO but I would leave out the legal stuff.  I do know that they are giving you that as a reason why they 'can't' but I would hold off on that on your next letter at least. 

[Anonymous]

Write them some praise if you still have an account. 

something along the lines of   ~I've always had great customer service with you and am hoping my relationship with you will continue...~  blah, blah, blah

Sometimes a little kissing up helps.  LOL

[Anonymous]

A well worded, thoughtful letter. I like it!

Don't get discouraged if you don't get results the first time. Keep paying on time, low util, and keep sending the letter.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Here is a GW letter format i have used in the past and it worked out well.  GL to you!  Just a few changes from what you posted yourself.

Robo

FIRST MI LAST NAME

ADDRESS 1

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

DATGE {MONTH DAY, YEAR)July 12, 2007

Bank of America
Attn: Credit Reporting
ADDRESS 1

CITY, STATE ZIP CODE

Regarding:  Account # 000000000

To Whom It May Concern,

I have been a Bank of America (BoA) customer since 2002 and during that time I have enjoyed my experience with BoA greatly.  I am writing to see if you would be willing to make a “goodwill” adjustment to your reporting to the three credit bureaus.  I have three 30 day late payments on the above referenced account that date back to Oct 2004 that cover a three month period from Oct to Dec.  Since Jan 2005, I have been an exceptional customer paying every month on time.

Because of my exceptional payment history over the last two and a half years, I would like you to consider removing the negative payments from my credit report.  At the time of the late payments, i was in the process of finding a new job due to unforeseen events.  Although i tried my best to make timely payments and honor my obligations with BoA, i found myself getting quickly behind on payments.  Once i secured a job, BoA was the number one priority on my list to reestablish payments.  I give this excuses not to justify why the payments were late, but rather to show that the late payments are not a good indicator of my actual credit worthiness.  I hope that BoA is willing to work with me on erasing this mark from my credit reports.

I have been a very happy customer in the past and hope to continue a long relationship with BoA.  With today’s credit industry so competitive, I know how important it is to maintain good relationships with customers.  BoA has been exceptional in my book so far and I highly recommend it to all my family and friends.  I hope that you will consider my request and prove once again, why Bank of America is heads above the rest.  I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

NAME MI LAST

[SmartCookie]

Robo did you actually use this sucessfully with BoA? 

[Anonymous]

Hello SC,

No, this was to another CCC.   I have never had a BoA account. 

Robo

[SmartCookie]

I was asking because I know you had major good juju with the ever-difficult Cap1, so I was hoping.    These are the big 2 my family has to deal with.

Nice of you to post your GW again.  This one worked with a rough company!

[Anonymous]

Hi again SC,

I looked on my history and seen that post about Capital One and the similiar GW letter i put on there.  Has anything worked for your DH with them?  GW letter and/or calling in on that number i posted?

Hopefully something worked!

Robo

[silly34]

Hey great suggestions! Will be sitting down and hammering things out. Thanks again!

B.