Timeline
How long do negative items stay on your credit report?
The clock for each type of item, and when it actually starts.
Direct answer
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most negative information — late payments, collections, charge-offs — can be reported for seven years, generally counted from the date of first delinquency. Bankruptcies can be reported for up to ten years, and hard inquiries typically stay about two years.
The general timeline
- Late payments, collections and charge-offs: generally up to 7 years from the date of first delinquency.
- Bankruptcies: generally up to 10 years, depending on the type and bureau practice.
- Hard inquiries: typically 2 years.
- Paid or closed accounts in good standing: commonly remain for years, often up to 10.
- Positive information can stay longer, which helps your history.
When the clock starts
For delinquent accounts, the reporting period runs from the date of first delinquency — the first missed payment that led to the charge-off or collection — not from when a collector bought the debt or when you last paid. Paying or settling a debt generally doesn't restart that clock.
Re-aging is a red flag
If a collector reports a newer delinquency date than the real one, the item can appear on your report longer than allowed. That is inaccurate information you can dispute with documents that show the true date.
Reporting period vs statute of limitations
They are separate clocks. The reporting period limits how long an item appears on your credit report. The statute of limitations limits how long a creditor can sue, and it varies by state.
What to do if an item is past its time
Gather old statements or notices showing the original delinquency date, then dispute the item with each bureau that still reports it. Rapid Rescore generates the letters for all three bureaus free.
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Create my free accountGeneral educational information, not legal or financial advice. Rapid Rescore is not a law firm and does not guarantee any result. Published October 2026.
Not necessarily. A paid collection usually remains for the reporting period, though it may be marked as paid.
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