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How Long Do Marks Stay On My Credit Report?

Even if you mess up your credit due to hardship, your credit is not messed up for life. You still have a second chance! The FCRA has set rules for how long negative marks are allowed to stay on your credit report.

Here is a list according to each type of mark for how long they can stay on your credit report.

Credit inquiries

Credit inquiries stay on the credit report for 2 years, but they only affect credit for 12 months.

Late payments

Late payments may stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the first missed payment.

Charge offs

Charge offs stay on your report for 7 years from the date the account was charged off. (That’s 7.5 years from the date the account started being in late status). 

In NY, a paid charged off account can remain on your credit report for only up to 5 years.

Collections

Collections will stay on your report for 7.5 years from when the original account started being in late status.

In NY. a paid collection can remain on your credit report for only up to 5 years.

Medical collections

Medical collections of $500 or more  will stay on your report for 7.5 years from when the original bill was due or it is paid, whichever comes first. 

In NY, medical collections cannot be reported on a consumer’s credit report.

Bankruptcies

There are two type of bankruptcies:

  • A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years.
  • A Chapter 13 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for up to 7 years.

Tax liens

An unpaid tax lien has no limit for how long it can stay on your credit report (never fight the government!).

For California residents, the limit for an unpaid tax lien is 10 years.

A paid tax lien will usually only stay on your credit report for up to 7 years.

Student debt

Most delinquent student debt will stay on your report for up to 7 years from the date of the missed payment. The only exception is a government funded Perkins loan which stays on your credit report until it is paid in full.

Foreclosure

A foreclosure can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years from the date the foreclosure was filed.

Good standing open credit card

A good standing open credit card has no limit for how long it can stay on your credit report.

Good standing closed credit card

A good standing closed credit card will stay on the report for up to 10 years from the date it was reported closed.

Frequently asked questions
Are multiple addresses on my credit report a bad thing?
If you move every second day then it shows instability. But as long as they are at normal intervals then there is nothing to worry about

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Sam Sam has nearly a decade's worth of experience educating his many readers on everything credit. Sam spends his days checking out credit cards for a full report, from the minute benefit details to the shebang of welcome bonuses. Plus studying the ins and outs of building proper credit. It’s his favorite pastime and he loves sharing it with others.

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5 Comments

  1. If I was an additional on a credit card and they closed down the primary card holder will it effect my credit and yes I do so it on my credit report.
    Why?
    And how long will it effect me if it effects at all
    Looking fwd for a response @Sam

    Reply
    • If the account did not have any negatives then the fact that the account was closed will not hurt your credit score. But the account will no longer help your credit either.

      Reply
  2. How long does a closed auto loan (car lease) stay?
    And how long does a new open auto loan stay?
    Meaning how long does it affect your credit?

    Reply
    • Usually 10 years for accounts with no late payments

      Reply
  3. And how could I make that the closed account should not be seen on my credit report?

    Reply
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