I have three 30 day lates over the last three years with Compass bank. Two of them were over two years ago, and one was six months ago. I have been paying off my car loan with them, and it is in good standing, except for the three 30 day lates. I've been diligently making payments on time, and I was wondering if I called them on the phone, and asked them if they could remove them. I might tell them that if they remove them, as a sign of sincerity, I'll have my payment made to them every month by payroll deduction. Does anybody have any advise on this? Is it a good idea? Is it even POSSIBLE that they'd consider deleting them?
I think you may be confusing negotiation with goodwill. Going with a quid pro quo offer (if you do this for me, I'll do this for you) may very well be a big turn-off for whoever reads your request. They certainly don't owe anyone the courtesy adjustment, and they expect you to pay your bill on time irrespective of how you get it to them. So... thumb's down from me, lol, although others may well disagree. I would encourage you to send the goodwill letter here: link. Essentially you are expressing your gratitude for their excellent service and for the way they have helped you through the years, but you are asking for a favor since you'll soon seek a mortgage (or car or refinance, etc.). Basically you're buttering them up and asking for a straight-out charitable favor. This works enough to give it a try. Again, I would go with the straight goodwill letter and not incorporate anything that smacks of negotiation in this request. Doc
