How Long Negative Information Really Stays On Credit Report

Credit reports are not exactly the easiest things to understand. Many people get very confused by credit reports and how they work. My goal is to answer some questions such as how long negative information really stays on credit report, how can I make sure that the negative information gets removed when it should, and why are there three different credit reporting agencies, and more.

First let's look at how long negative information really stays on credit report. The typical time frame is seven years. That is for good and bad credit information. The seven years is from the time the debt was incurred until the account is paid in full or closed.

There are instances when the credit will remain in your file for longer than seven years. For instance, a credit card account can be listed in your file for longer. A mortgage can also stay on your report for longer than seven years. Let's not forget about bankruptcies. Bankruptcies remain on your report for ten years. Unpaid tax liens are there until you die. Last, but not least, defaulted government student loans can stay on your report indefinately.

Now let us address the issue of negative information being removed. When the time is up on your debts the credit reporting agencies' computers automatically remove the information. It certainly does not hurt to obtain a copy of your credit report once a year just to double check that everything is up-to-date and accurate.

Next, let's discuss the types of debts that you are likely to see on your credit report. The following types of debts will be listed on your credit report:

- Mortgages
- Credit cards
- Car loans
- Student loans

You will not find debts such as doctor's bills or cell phone bills on your report unless they have been left unpaid. In the case that they have gone upaid they will be reported and will show up as unpaid debts.

Let's move on to how inquiries affect your credit report. If you request a copy of your credit report for yourself then your credit is not adversely affected. However, every time someone else requests it your report is adversely affected.

Hopefully this information has cleared up some of your confusion regarding your credit report.

Related Credit Score and Repair Articles

Avoid Credit Repair DFW Scams
discusses how to avoid credit repair scams in the DFW metroplex

Credit Repair In 48 Hours
How credit repair works

Lawyer For Credit Repair and Credit Repair Yourself
Information concerning fixing your credit

---