Deleting information

Figuring out when negative information is removed from your credit
report can be very confusing, and understandably so. I hope this helps.

Delinquencies (30 – 180 days): Can remain seven years from the date of the initial missed payment.

Collection accounts: Remain seven years from the date of the initial
missed payment that led to the collection (the original delinquency
date). When a collection account is paid in full, it will be marked
"paid collection" on the credit report.

Charged-off accounts: Remain seven years from the date of the initial
missed payment that led to the charge off (the original delinquency
date), even if payments are later made on the charged-off account.

Closed accounts: Closed accounts are accounts that are no longer
available for further use. Closed accounts may or may not have a zero
balance. Closed accounts with delinquencies remain seven years from the
date they are reported closed, whether closed by the creditor or by the
consumer. Positive closed accounts remain 10 years.

Lost credit card: If there are no delinquencies, credit cards that are
reported lost will continue to be listed for two years from the date
the card is reported lost. Delinquent payments that occurred before the
card was lost are reported for seven years.

Bankruptcy: Chapters 7, 11, and 12 remain for 10 years from the filing
date. Chapter 13 remains seven years from the filing date. Accounts
included in bankruptcy will remain seven years from the date they were
reported as included in the bankruptcy.

Child support judgments: Remain seven years from the date the judgment is filed.

Civil and small claim judgments: Remain seven years from the date the judgment is filed.

City, county, state, and federal tax liens: Unpaid tax liens remain 15
years from the filing date. Paid tax liens remain seven years from the
paid date of the lien.

Inquiries: Most inquiries listed on your credit report will remain for
two years. All inquiries must remain for a minimum of one year from the
date the inquiry was made. Some inquiries, such as employment or
preapproved offers of credit, will show only to you.

Positive open credit information remains indefinitely and paid positive
accounts remain 10 years, making your credit report a great benefit for
you in obtaining and using financial services. Negative information is
purged from your credit report so that if you have credit problems you
will have an opportunity to build a good credit history over time.