How to Delete Negative Credit Reports After Seven Years
Institutions that issue credit often report account details to credit bureaus, which then distill this data into a credit report. Your report will include both positive and negative account information. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits the appearance of most negative credit items on a report to seven years. If your report contains an item that has passed this mark, you have the right under the FCRA to dispute it with the bureau and have it removed.
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Instructions
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Order your credit report. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), consumers can receive one free report each year from the three bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can order free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.
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Read the report. Check the "Negative Accounts," "Collections," and "Public Records" sections to ascertain if the negative items are still present. Bureaus update their database often so information may have changed.
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File an online dispute at the bureau's website. The online form will allow you to specify the items you're disputing and the reason.
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Print a copy of the online dispute form for your records. Also print a copy of your credit report if you accessed it online. FACTA only allows one free report so if you fail to print it, the bureau may charge you a fee to view it again at a later date.
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Wait to hear back from the bureau. Under the FCRA, bureaus have up to 30 days to investigate your claim and make corrections. You will receive the results via email. The bureau will also include an updated copy of your credit report that shows the items that were deleted.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also file a dispute by mail or phone. The bureau's toll-free number and mailing address are located on your credit report. A mailed dispute must include a dispute letter that details the items in dispute, the reasons and any supporting documentation, if applicable. Results for disputes submitted by phone or mail are sent to you via regular mail.
Under the FCRA, certain negative items can remain on your report longer than seven years. Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcy, and non-discharged or dismissed Chapter 12 and 13 bankruptcy, can remain for up to 10 years. Unpaid tax liens can remain for up to 10 years in California and indefinitely in all other states.
Never order your credit report using a public computer. It could lead to identity theft. Only use a computer that you trust.
References
- Equifax: FCRA Summary of Rights
- Federal Trade Commission: A Summary of Rights Under The Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Equifax: Length of Credit History
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: Credit Reports and Scores
- Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Sample Dispute Letter
- MyFico: What's In Your Credit Report
