How to Get Collection Agencies to Remove Negative Credit

If a collection agency is handling your account, there is a good chance that you have some negative information on your credit file. To have it removed there is a certain process you have to go through. In some cases you will not be able to get the information removed until the necessary time has passed. Negative information can lower your credit score, which can affect your ability to receive credit in the future. If you are approved, you may have to pay higher rates of interest and some fees.

Instructions

1

Call the collection agency. Sometimes a specific individual is handling your account. It is best to speak with the agency if possible. The best time to ask a collection agency to remove derogatory information from your credit file is when you are about to pay your outstanding balance in full. If you have already paid your account off and you call the agency to have derogatory information removed, your chance of having this done is little to none. Once a collection agency has received your money don't expect any time of customer service. Agencies are in business to collect money.

2

Ask the collection to remove the derogatory information. Tell the representative that you will send in your entire balance owed if they will have the derogatory information removed from your file. If the representative agrees make sure you receive written confirmation before you send any money. In the past some people have asked a collection agency to remove derogatory information, but they did not receive any written correspondence. After sending in their money they were disappointed to find that, conveniently, there were no comments or notation about that part of the conversation. Arguing the point further will be futile. The decision to remove the derogatory information, as part of the payment arrangement with you, is completely up to the agency.

3

Wait the appropriate time frame. Old accounts that have been on your credit report for seven years will drop off automatically, at least in theory. According to Experian.com accounts not paid in 30 to 180 days will remain on your credit file for seven years past the last payment date. Therefore the seven-year time frame starts when you first miss a payment. Any accounts that remain on your report longer can be disputed with the credit reporting agency in writing. If you need a copy of your credit report go to AnnualCreditReport.com. You can order copies by phone, mail or online. A credit report is available from all three credit reporting agencies, which include Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.