When Do Items Fall Off Your Credit Report?

Even if you have a poor credit history with numerous collections accounts and bankruptcies, you will eventually get a clean slate. When negative or positive items leave your credit report depends on the type of item. Some items can stay for a decade or more. Even if an item stays on a credit report, it might not effect you much -- or your FICO score.

Identification

Positive items fall off your credit report after 10 years. Most negative items, such as collections accounts and missed payments, leave your credit history after seven years. Notably exceptions include bankruptcies, which stay up to 10 years, and inquiries due to an application for credit stays for two years.

Note that the impact on your score by a negative report fades as time passes.

State Laws

A few states differ regarding when items leave your credit history. In New York, judgments and collections accounts remain on your credit for five years after you pay off the account. California requires tax liens leave your credit report seven years after you resolve the issue and 10 years if left unresolved.

Special Warning About Collections Accounts

A collections account can reappear on your credit report well after the seven-year time limit. If the statute of limitations passes on a collections account, you can reaffirm your obligation to the debt by claiming or inquiring about it. This can happen by calling the collections agency to ask about the debt or making a payment on it. If the statute of limitations passes, you do not need to claim it. You will, however, have to inform the judge about the age of the debt in case of a lawsuit.

Tip

An item can fall off your credit report instantly if you dispute its validity and the credit bureaus agrees with you, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate your claim or you have the right to demand the item leave your report regardless of its veracity. You may have to provide documents that back up your claim. Also, resolve disputes before applying for new lines of credit.