1. Negotiate with Creditors: Call and request a late fee waiver or removal of a late payment, especially if it’s your first offense.
2. Send a Goodwill Letter: Write to creditors explaining the situation and asking for removal based on your good history.
3. Dispute Inaccuracies: If the late payment is incorrect, file a dispute with credit bureaus with supporting evidence.
4. Request Pay-for-Delete: Offer to pay the balance in exchange for removing the late payment (get it in writing).
5. Stay Current: Catch up on payments and maintain consistency to improve your profile.
6. Wait It Out: Late payments drop off after 7 years; build positive credit in the meantime.