// 09 — goodwill removal request

GOODWILL LETTER

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Goodwill letter for paid medical debt

A goodwill letter is a polite request asking the original creditor to remove a negative mark as a gesture of goodwill — not because they're legally required to. This works best for paid medical collections where you have a genuine hardship story and a history of on-time payments.

When goodwill letters work

[YOUR NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR CITY, STATE ZIP] [DATE] [HEALTHCARE PROVIDER / COLLECTION AGENCY] [ADDRESS] RE: Goodwill Request for Account Removal Account: [ACCOUNT NUMBER] Dear [Provider/Billing Manager], I am writing to respectfully request that you remove the above-referenced collection account from my credit report as a gesture of goodwill. I incurred this medical debt during [BRIEF HARDSHIP DESCRIPTION: e.g., a period of unemployment / an unexpected medical emergency / a family crisis]. The account has been paid in full as of [DATE], and I have since maintained a positive payment history with [PROVIDER/OTHER CREDITORS] for [TIME PERIOD]. I understand that this collection was accurately reported, and I take full responsibility for the debt. I am not disputing the account — I am asking for your understanding and goodwill in removing this negative mark so that I can [PURPOSE: e.g., qualify for a mortgage / refinance my home / secure better loan terms for my family]. I would be deeply grateful for your consideration. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR PHONE] [YOUR EMAIL]

Goodwill letter tips

  • Send to the original provider, not the collection agency
  • Be genuine — explain the hardship without making excuses
  • Keep it to one page — decision-makers skim
  • Follow up in 30 days if no response
  • Goodwill is discretionary — they don't have to do it
  • Try a different contact (billing manager, patient advocate) if denied