How to Ask BofA or Synchrony to Remove a Late Payment?

A late payment is any payment missed after your due date, but creditors typically only report it to credit bureaus once it’s 30 days late. Even if you’re just a day late, though, you’ll likely get hit with a fee-yes, it’s annoying. Most credit card companies (like BofA and Synchrony) give a small grace period (often 1-5 days) before slapping on penalties, but don’t push it-your credit score takes the hit at 30 days.

Banks vary in how they handle late payments. BofA might report at exactly 30 days, while Synchrony could wait longer if you’ve got a good history. Either way, once it’s reported, it sticks for seven years unless you negotiate removal-check out 'can BofA or Synchrony actually remove lates?' for next steps. Always check your terms; some lenders even count payments received after 5 PM as late.

Yes, BofA and Synchrony can remove late payments from your credit report-but only if they choose to. Neither bank is required to do this unless the late was reported in error, so success hinges on your history with them and how you ask. Think of it like convincing a strict teacher to excuse a missed assignment: you’ll need a solid reason, proof you’ve improved, and a polite approach.

BofA and Synchrony typically remove lates only for long-standing customers with otherwise perfect payment records or if the late resulted from a one-time oversight (like a missed autopay). Start by calling customer service or sending a goodwill letter (see '3 goodwill letter basics'), emphasizing your track record and any extenuating circumstances. If that fails, escalate to their executive offices-higher-ups have more authority to approve exceptions. Just know: if the late was recent or you’ve had multiple misses, your odds drop. For step-by-step escalation tactics, check out 'how to escalate with BofA or Synchrony'.

A goodwill letter is your best shot at getting a late payment removed when it’s legitimately your fault but you’ve otherwise been a good customer. It’s a polite, concise request asking the bank (like BofA or Synchrony) to wipe the slate clean as a one-time favor. These work because lenders can remove accurate late payments-they’re just not required to. Your goal? Make it easy for them to say yes.

Use a goodwill letter only if:

• The late payment is accurate (no errors to dispute).
• You have a solid payment history before/after the slip-up.
• The reason was temporary (medical emergency, job loss, etc.). Don’t bother if you’re chronically late-fix that first. For step-by-step wording, check 'what to include in your removal request'.

Your letter needs three things:

1. Ownership: “I missed the July payment due to [brief reason].” No excuses.

2. Context: “I’ve paid on time for 2 years except this one instance.” Prove it’s a fluke.

3. Ask: “Please consider removing this mark as a goodwill gesture.” Be direct but humble. Skip emotional pleas-banks care about risk, not drama. If denied, escalate (see 'contacting the CEO or executive office').

To make your late payment removal request as effective as possible, include these key details:

• Your full name, address, and account number (so they can locate your file fast).
• The specific late payment(s)-list dates and amounts. Vagueness kills your case.
• A short, honest explanation (e.g., medical emergency, job loss) without excuses. Keep it factual.
• Proof you’ve improved-like 6+ months of on-time payments or paid-off balances. Show growth.
• A clear “please remove this” ask. Polite but direct works.

Skip the novel. Banks process tons of these-get to the point. If you’ve paid in full or had COVID hardships, scream that upfront (see 'getting lates removed after paying in full' or 'COVID-19 and late payment removal').

Attach supporting docs: payment receipts, bank statements, or screenshots of old reminders. No fluff. If this is your first slip-up, say so-banks sometimes cut loyal customers slack. And for Synchrony or BofA, tweak your tone slightly; Synchrony’s more automated, while BofA reps often have more discretion.

If they say no? Escalate (check 'how to escalate with BofA or Synchrony'). But nail this first step.

A winning goodwill letter can convince your bank to remove a late payment-if you nail the tone, details, and strategy. Here’s how to write one that stands out:

• Be polite but professional: Skip the begging or anger. A respectful tone ("I’d appreciate your consideration") works better than demands.
• Own the mistake (briefly): Admit the late payment, but don’t overshare. Example: "A medical bill delayed my payment, but I’ve since automated payments to avoid future issues."
• Highlight your history: Mention your on-time payments before/after the slip-up. Banks reward loyalty.
• Show proof of improvement: Attach bank statements showing consistent payments or mention steps like budgeting apps.
• Keep it short: One page max. Bullet points help busy reviewers skim.

If your first try fails, tweak the letter and escalate (see 'how to escalate with bofa or synchrony'). Persistence pays-many succeed on the second or third attempt.

If your credit report shows a late payment that’s flat-out wrong, you can-and should-dispute it immediately. Start by pulling your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to confirm the error, then gather proof like bank statements, payment confirmations, or screenshots showing the payment was on time. Highlight the discrepancy like a detective-dates, amounts, and account numbers matter.

Submit your dispute online or by mail to both the credit bureau and the creditor (e.g., Bank of America or Synchrony), attaching your evidence and a clear explanation. The bureaus have 30 days to investigate-follow up if they drag their feet. If the late payment sticks unfairly, escalate to the CFPB or add a dispute statement to your report. For stubborn cases, check out 'how to escalate with bofa or synchrony' or your 'legal rights'. Stay persistent; mistakes happen, but you’ve got the tools to fix them.

1. Right to Dispute Inaccurate Late Payments

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the power to challenge any late payment on your credit report that’s wrong or outdated. If Bank of America or Synchrony reported a late payment in error (like a system glitch or misapplied payment), file a dispute with the credit bureaus and the bank. They must investigate and fix it within 30 days. Keep records-banks hate paperwork battles.

2. Right to Demand Accurate Reporting

Creditors must report correct info under the FCRA. If your dispute fails, you can add a 100-word statement to your credit report explaining your side. Example: "Paid on time, but bank processed late due to holiday delay." This won’t erase the late mark, but future lenders might see your context.

Need backup? Check 'disputing inaccurate late payments' for step-by-step help. Always escalate if they ghost you-banks fold under pressure.

1. Disputing Accurate Late Payments as Errors

Don’t waste time arguing that an accurate late payment was a "mistake." Banks verify records before reporting. If you were legitimately late, own it. Instead, focus on goodwill-explain why it happened (e.g., medical emergency) and highlight your otherwise spotless history. Blaming the system backfires.

2. Using a Hostile or Entitled Tone

Yelling at customer service or demanding removal like it’s owed to you? Bad move. Banks respond to humility, not threats. Phrases like "I understand my responsibility, but I’d appreciate your help" work way better. Think of it as asking a favor, not filing a complaint.

3. Sending Generic, Copy-Pasted Requests

A template letter with "Dear [Bank Name]" screams low effort. Personalize it: mention your account history, how long you’ve been a customer, and specific steps you’ve taken to avoid future lates (e.g., autopay setup). Pro tip: Reference their goodwill adjustment policies if they’ve helped others.

4. Skipping Follow-Ups or Escalation

One denied letter doesn’t mean game over. Follow up in 2 weeks. No reply? Escalate to the executive office (see contacting the CEO or executive office). Persistence pays, but stay polite. Include your initial request and any new proof (e.g., recent on-time payments).

If BofA or Synchrony ignores or denies your initial goodwill request, escalate strategically. For BofA, call 800-732-9194 and ask for the "Executive Customer Relations" team-they handle escalated cases and have more authority to approve goodwill adjustments. With Synchrony, dial 866-519-6441 and request the "Office of the President" (yes, it’s a real department). Both banks take written escalation seriously too: for BofA, mail your request to Bank of America, PO Box 982234, El Paso, TX 79998-2234 (Attn: Executive Office); for Synchrony, send it to Synchrony Bank, PO Box 965005, Orlando, FL 32896-5005 (Mark it "Urgent: Goodwill Request"). Include your original letter, account details, and any new proof (like on-time payments since the late mark).

Keep it concise but punchy in follow-ups. Example: "I’ve been a customer for X years and made 12 on-time payments since the one late. Can you reconsider?" If they still refuse, file a CFPB complaint-both banks must respond within 15 days. For nuclear options, see 'contacting the CEO or executive office'. Always note the rep’s name and reference number. Persistence pays.

Contacting the CEO or executive office is your nuclear option when standard channels fail-but it works if you do it right. First, find the CEO’s email or mailing address (check LinkedIn, the bank’s corporate site, or executive contact databases like Executive Contacts). Keep your message short: 3-4 sentences max. Lead with your account number, the late payment date, and a polite ask for a goodwill adjustment. Attach your earlier denial letters or proof of resolution (like paid balances) to show you’ve tried other routes.

Timing matters. Send it mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) when exec teams triage high-priority requests. Follow up in 7–10 days if no response-but don’t pester. Pro tip: BofA and Synchrony’s executive offices often delegate these to specialized resolution teams, so include a clear subject line like “Goodwill Request for Late Payment Removal [Account #].” If this fails, your next move is filing a CFPB complaint (see 'what to do when your request is denied').

Getting denied sucks, but don’t panic. First, ask why-politely. If it’s a "no" due to policy, escalate to higher-ups (try the CEO’s office; they waive fees more often). For Bank of America or Synchrony, dig into 'how to escalate with bofa or synchrony' for templates. If the late payment is legit, send a revised goodwill letter with stronger proof of hardship (medical bills, layoffs) or highlight post-late flawless payments.

If the denial sticks, dispute inaccuracies formally. Under the FCRA, creditors must fix errors-send disputes to the credit bureaus and the bank simultaneously. Include evidence like payment receipts or screenshots. No luck? File a complaint with the CFPB-it forces a deeper review. For COVID-related lates, cite their own pandemic policies (check 'covid-19 and late payment removal').

Protect your credit long-term: automate payments, set calendar reminders, or pay early. One 30-day late can tank your score 100+ points-it’s brutal but fixable. Keep grinding. Next, explore 'getting lates removed after paying in full' if you’ve cleared the balance.

Paying your account in full helps, but it doesn’t automatically remove late marks. Creditors like BofA or Synchrony can delete them as goodwill-especially if you’ve been reliable otherwise. Start by sending a polished goodwill letter (see '5 tips for writing a winning goodwill letter') right after paying. Highlight your full payment as proof you’re back on track. Mention any extenuating circumstances (job loss, medical issue) briefly. No sob stories-just facts.

If they say no, escalate. Call customer service, ask for the "disputes department," and reference your paid balance. Some reps have removal authority. Still stuck? Try the CEO’s office (details in 'contacting the ceo or executive office'). Banks often wipe one late payment for long-standing customers. Persistence pays-follow up every 2-3 weeks.

If Covid-19 wrecked your finances and led to late payments, you’re not alone-and banks like BofA and Synchrony might cut you some slack. During the pandemic, many lenders offered temporary relief, like waived late fees or deferred payments, but those programs have mostly ended. Still, you can appeal to their goodwill by explaining how Covid-19 directly impacted your ability to pay (job loss, medical issues, etc.). Be specific: "I was furloughed for 3 months" hits harder than "I had a tough time." Some banks even flagged accounts for automatic late-payment forgiveness during peak Covid chaos-check your records to see if you qualified but were overlooked.

Your best shot? Pair a clear hardship explanation with a polished goodwill letter (see '5 tips for writing a winning goodwill letter'). Highlight how you’ve since gotten back on track-banks reward accountability. If they say no, escalate to their executive office (refer to 'contacting the ceo or executive office'). And if the late mark was truly unfair (e.g., you paid on time but their system glitched), dispute it ASAP under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.