Deleting information

• Delinquencies (30 – 180 days): Can remain seven years from the date of the initial missed payment after which the account was never again current. The date of the initial missed payment is called the original delinquency date.
• 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 from the date they are closed.
• 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 from the original delinquency date.
• 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. The account will be noted in the credit report as “included in 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: Inquiries listed on your credit report will remain for two years. Some inquiries, such as those for employment, insurance, preapproved offers of credit, and for requesting your own report, will show only to you and will not be provided to lenders. These so-called soft inquiries will not affect credit scores or lending decisions.

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.

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Important facts about the accuracy of your credit report