Do you have a question about consumer credit? You may find an immediate answer by using the search engine. If you can't find what you're looking for, please fill out the form, being as specific as possible.
Please note: The Ask Experian team cannot respond to each question individually. However, if your question is of interest to a wide audience of consumers, the Experian team will include it in a future column.
Our policies
The information contained in this column if for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.
You should consult your own attorney or seek specific advice from a legal professional regarding
your particular situation.
Please understand that Experian policies change over time. Column responses reflect Experian policy at the time of writing. While maintained for your information, archived responses may not reflect current Experian policy.
Credit Advice
Topics addressed on June 9, 2010:
Non-sufficient funds checks on a credit report
Dear Experian,
How long do non-sufficient funds checks (NSF's) stay on your credit report?
- LLS
Dear LLS,
A non-sufficient funds check may not appear on your credit report. Instead, it would more likely become part of a debit report, which typically includes information about your bank account opening and closing history, frequency of debit and ATM card use, check orders, and of course, non-sufficient fund or unpaid bank account activity.
Companies use debit reports to assist in opening checking accounts, issuing debit cards, and setting ATM withdrawal limits. There are organizations called debit bureaus that provide those services.
Experian does not collect or maintain that information. However, if you fail to provide the necessary funds or to pay any NSF fees charged by your bank, it could send the amount to collections. At that point, it becomes a debt you owe to your bank, and the collection account could become part of your debit report and your credit report.
The collection account will remain in your credit history for seven years.
Thanks for asking.
- The "Ask Experian" team