MyFico does it again!!
I have been on a rebuilding journey for over five years. Unfortunately, I didn't find this forum until about two years in, but I have received such great information on here --- just had to share this.
After divorce and my company's bankruptcy, I was literally starting from scratch. No money and my credit was in the toilet. About six years ago, I got a fabulous job and started that long rebuilding trek. I had only one derogatory left -- a paid charge-off from a credit union overdraft from January 2015. After reading and re-reading goodwill letters on here, I sent an email today to the corporate collections office at the credit union. I did as everyone suggested -- I gave a little bit of background history along with my current situation. I also printed up a hard copy to send via the post office as a follow-up.
Within an hour, I received a phone call from a collections coordinator at the credit union. She said that she and her supervisor were touched by my letter. They did a soft pull on my credit report and determined that everything I stated in my letter was true. She advised that she has requested that my account be removed from all credit bureaus and I should see the change within 30 to 60 days. Yippee!
I really would never have known to send that letter if not for the forum. Also, I'm going to attach my letter below as a guide for others who may be looking for ideas. I read many letters posted on here for guidance before sending my letter. And yay -- I saved a stamp!
Dear Sir or Madam:
Good morning! I am a former member of your credit union. After a divorce and my company's bankruptcy, I relocated to Ohio. During that time of unemployment, I created an overdraft of $300 on my checking account, which was subsequently closed and charged off in 2015. I got a great job in Ohio six years ago and have been working diligently to clean up my credit. My last negative was the $300 charge-off from your credit union, which I paid some time ago.
I'm in the process of trying to buy a house and this one derogatory account is causing a problem with obtaining a mortgage with a premium interest rate. I understand that it is possible for the credit union to process a "goodwill" removal of this account from my credit report (the charge-off will fall off on its own in January). I would appreciate your consideration in this matter. This is the final negative mark on my credit report and is my last reminder of that difficult time. I would be so grateful if this could be removed from the credit bureaus in order to enable me to purchase my home.
Thank you so much.
I will follow up and let you know what effect the removal has on my scores. They currently are as follows: TU 712; Experian 722; Equifax 734
Thanks again for all of your guidance. It has been immeasurable!
**Edit** I should add that the credit union did email a confirmation to me for my records. This is important insofar as I read a lot of instances here where people were told on the phone "we will remove it" but then they never do. The woman also provided her direct line in case I had any questions or if the account was not removed. All in all, a terrific experience.
****Update 6/11**** new scores FICO 8 -- EX 782; TU 769; EQ 764
5/12/2024. FICO 8 EX 806; EQ 794; TU 813. FICO 9 EX 815; EQ 805; TU 814 AMEX Platinum NPSL; AMEX Gold NPSL; AMEX Cash Magnet 29,800; AMEX Delta Reserve 20,200; PenFed PCR Visa 12,500; PenFed Pathfinder 15,000; PenFed Gold Visa 10,000; PenFed LOC 10,000; Macys AMEX 25,000; Home Depot 25,000; NFCU Plat Visa 30,000; NFCU Plat MC 15,000; USAA AMEX 6000; USAA Cash Rewards VISA 20,000; IKEA 19,200; Venmo VISA 20,000; SamsClub MC 20,000; Discover 22,600, Citibank Aadvantage Platinum Select World Elite MC 9800; Pottery Barn 29,700; Williams-Sonoma 15,000; FNBO VISA Signature 14,000; Sportsmans Guide VISA 12,400; Sephora VISA Signature 13,400; Target MC 7000; AAA Signature Visa 11,400. Total Credit Limit $512,900. Utilization less than 1% (approx. $400)