How Can I Get Settlements Off My Credit Report?

Debt settlement allows you to resolve a debt by paying less than the full balance. The creditor or debt collector will consider the debt paid in full, but your credit report will list the account differently. Settled accounts are listed by the credit bureaus as "settled for less than the full balance." That's considered a negative entry that can cause your credit score to drop. By law, settlements can remain on your credit report for seven years, and can be removed only if they are outdated or inaccurate.

Instructions

1

Find the settlements on your credit report. Get a copy of your report from Annual Credit Report (see Resource section). The website was established by the nationwide credit bureaus to offer free reports as mandated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You're entitled to three free reports every 12 months, including one from each of the bureaus.

2

Challenge settlement entries that have been on your report for more than seven years. By law, entries listed longer than seven years are outdated and must be removed at your request. Demand the removal by writing a letter to the credit bureau at its address listed on the credit report. Wait 30 days for an answer.

3

Challenge settlement entries that are inaccurate. For example, an account owned by your spouse could have mistakenly been added to your account. Dispute the information by writing a letter to the credit bureau. By law, inaccurate information must be removed from your report if you challenge it. Wait 30 days for a response after mailing your letter.