How Long Does a 30-Day Late Pay Stay on Credit Reports?

Overview

30-Day Delinquencies

If you pay a bill late, it could result in a blemish on your credit report. Companies often report late payments once they reach 30 days past due. Because companies typically consider delinquencies in terms of 30-day periods, your credit report may receive additional delinquency notes if your payments remain overdue for 60 days or more.

Length of Record

A 30-day delinquency may stay on your credit report for seven years. Positive information remains on your report for the same amount of time, though some credit-reporting agencies may keep positive information for up to 10 years. The seven-year reporting period begins when your creditor reports the 30-day delinquency.

Effect of a 30-Day Deliquency

A sole 30-day-late notation on your credit report may not cause a dramatic plunge in your credit score or your ability to obtain credit and services from companies that consider it. Instead, companies may be more likely to turn you down if your report shows a pattern of repeated delinquency or also lists 60- and 90-day delinquencies. However, you may want to have it removed if you feel that it will hurt your chances of obtaining new credit.

Removing Delinquency Errors

If you feel a 30-day delinquency has been added to your credit report in error, you may dispute the adverse information by contacting the credit bureau that reported the incorrect information. Disputes are typically made in writing. The credit bureau will investigate your dispute within 30 days and remove the delinquency if it was added in error. If the 30-day delinquency report is correct, it may remain on your report for seven years or more.

Contacting a Creditor

You may be able to have a 30-day delinquency removed from your credit report by contacting your creditor and asking the company to correct the reported information. Explain why you were late and ask the creditor to remove the adverse information from your report. Though creditors aren't required to correct accurate delinquency reports, some may be willing to do so, especially for those who usually pay their bills on time. Others may be more likely to agree to change delinquency reports if the request is made during repayment negotiations.