If you have a large amount of earnings attributable to the $5,500 excess contribution, say 30% or more, you may find it beneficial to leave the excess in and pay the 6% penalty. Then, after tax filing date including extensions when it's too late to request a return of excess contribution, but before the end of the calendar year, you can simply take a distribution of $5,500 (e.g. the original excess) to prevent another 6% penalty for the tax year from being assessed. Resolving the excess allows you to end the penalties while leaving the earnings in the account.
you can also resolve by applying upcoming allowed contributions, but you said that path is not available to you
Most Roth holders don't understand this.
See Form 5329 Part IV
