How do I remove derogatory accounts off my credit score after they have been settled?
830111
You have just stumbled into the trap that I have tried warning people about for months now!\n\nThere are only two ways to get a negative item removed from your credit history.\n\n1) The creditor must remove it\n2) The creditor fails to respond to a credit bureau investigation request.\n\nOnce you have paid the creditor, you are going to find it extremely difficult to get them to cooperate in fixing your credit.  \n\nThat is why I warn people who are going to pay off old debts...make the creditor agree IN WRITING to delete the entry once the bill has been paid off.  Don't pay them a dime unless they agree to do it.\n\nNow you are broke, and you still have bad credit.  Is that fair?\n\nAll you can do now is start the dispute process.  Note that even though you paid off this debt, the creditor is only REQUIRED to show that the debt has been paid off, but it will still show reports of late payments, charge offs and collections.  It will still be a negative report. \n\nBut it at least should show the bill is paid.  Failure of the credit to update your credit history is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  If they don't update the listing, you can sue them for $1000 in small claims court.\n\nSend a dispute letter to both the credit bureau and the creditor.  But note that it sometimes takes a couple of months for these updates to show up on your report, so you need to be patient.
1144315
Your score will dip no matter what you do. For how long depends on how you deal with cleaning up you credit.\n\nIf you pay the accounts without using a pay for delete agreement, they will just notate your reports as paid collections. Which will be just as bad as having the collection on your reports.\n\nIf you use a pay for delete agreement, when they delete the account your score will dip from losing the history of the account. But you scores will probably rebound sooner than having a paid collection. \n\nIf you are dealing with collection agency's, you should send a debt validation first. When they properly validate the debt (and you are still in SOL) send them a pay for delete letter. \n\nInclude in that letter that they will not only delete the tradeline they have placed on your reports, but they will also not sell the debt, sell the remainder of the debt (if you request to only pay a percentage of it - which you should request) and will not continue to collect the debt. (collection agency's have been known to do all of those - even when the debt is paid.) \n\nIf the debt is out of the statute of limitations (SOL) for your state, you have the right to "not pay" it. After you send the debt validation letter and you know it is out of SOL, you have the right to send them a SOL letter. And, if they are reporting incorrectly on your reports (which they probably are) you have the right to dispute the account with the credit bureaus. Requesting that the accounts are either corrected, or if not, deleted.\n\nI would also suggest trying to get a secured card or two. If you do that now, you would have a years history on it/them which will help you when you want to get that loan.  \n\nOnly use the cards occasionally for small amounts, a tank of gas etc. and pay in full when you get the statement. Then, keep the cards in your sock drawer for about 6 months before you use them for another small amount.\n\nYou might check out Orchard Bank, HSBC or Bank of America for secured cards.\n\nYou might also want to check out the link I have provided. Learn how to deal with your baddies and how to up your scores.
748305
I hope that in your divorce this issue was addressed.\n\nIf there are still amounts owing on the joint debts, they will stay on your report until they are paid off.  And as long as your name is on the debt, you credit will reflect the payments & history.\n\nThere is no way to remove the joint debt reporting, this will be a part of your credit history for at least 7 years.   If the debts have been paid off and the accounts closed, then you can submit a paper explaining why accounts were late (if they were) etc. \n\nGood luck & congrats on your new life.
686380
I love all these idiotic answers to just "pay your bills".  \n\n\nThere is an excellent article you need to read on this...see the link below.  It gives a good step-by-step on how to get your credit score cleaned up.\n\nBe advised that if the debt on your report is accurate, and the creditor properly validates it, you can not get it removed from your history.  It will have to come off after the 7 year reporting period expires.
1030722
If you are now up do date on your payments, and it has been awhile since you became up to date, you can always try a goodwill letter to the creditors. Tell them that you have worked hard to become current, it has been x number of years, can they please list the accounts on your reports as never late.\n\nIf you are still behind on the bills or the accounts have been charged off, thats a whole nother ball game.\n\nI would suggest going to the site that I've listed. It is a "free" do it yourself credit repair site. \n\nThere is no sense paying for anything or anyone to do what you can do yourself. Especially since alot of those credit counseling places will leave you worse off than you are now.
215063
If you will still have those two negative items on your credit report, even if they are paid in full, contact all 3 credit bureaus immediately about those 2 negative accounts.  Tell them that those are the specific accounts that you are disputing and tell them that those accounts are wrong, that they are now paid in full.  \n\nMake sure to include information on the accounts such as the account numbers and the name of the company.  The three credit bureaus will have to investigate and they will find that you did in fact pay the accounts and they will change that on your credit report to showing that they are now paid in full.\n\nWhatever you do, do NOT bother contacting the accounts that you paid in full and asking them to report to the credit bureaus that you paid them.  They will just jerk you around and say "oh well, it says in our records that we did report it" when in fact they don't.  They got your money and they don't give a crap about the rest to take the time to report to the credit bureaus that you paid them.  So you will have to contact the credit bureaus yourself and let them know that it is incorrect.\n\nIf you don't know, the three credit bureaus are Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.  The phone number to TransUnion is 800-916-8800, Experian is 888-397-3742, and Equifax is 800-270-3435.  It probably won't be enough to call them to dispute the information, but you can call and ask for their mailing address.  Then you will need to type up a letter to each credit bureau to tell them you are disputing the errors on your credit report.\n\nTo save you some time getting screwed around by the credit bureaus, I recommend you include with your dispute letter a copy of your driver's license, a copy of your social security card, and proof of your current residency such as a copy of your current utility bills with your name on it.\n\nSorry if it sounded like I ever repeated myself, but I am just trying to save you some hastle in the long run.  Because if you don't include all of those things along with the dispute letter right away, the credit bureaus will just screw you around and keep sending you letters requesting more information and it will just take a longer process and you keep having to repeat the information you already sent to them.\n\nIf you haven't guessed, I have gone through this already.  lol  But the upside of this is, the sooner you get this done, the better, and if you have any credit cards or other accounts, just keep them up and try to keep as low of a balance as you can and keep paying.  Your credit score will improve sometimes within 6 months or so.
338196
Your credit report should reflect a zero balance, but they remain on your credit report for 7 years.  The only way to get them off before then is to request the reporting company to remove them.....)(
668687
it should be cleared, as well as all attempts to collect it after 7 years of default. you will have to do the leg work as creditors won't do it on their own, so push them and keep pushing them to remove it.
696253
First:  \n\nThese are your options: \n\n1. Change your phone number (easiest solution)\n2. Pay up. (not so easy) \n3. Use Federal Law to your advantage. (easy) \n\nWhat did I mean by use Federal Law? \n\nWell, \n          You as a consumer have rights my dear. One of them is that creditors are not allowed to harrass you. You can find this and much more right on this page:  http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/debt_collection_laws.htm \n\n\nIf you send a cease and desist letter; the collection agencies MUST CEASE AND DESIST (leave you alone!)  \n\nHere is a sample of what to send: \n\nDate:\n\nName Collection Agency\n\nAddress\n\nCity, State, ZIP\n\nRE: Account #\n\nDear Agency,\n                          You are hereby notified that your services are no longer desired. This is in accordance with the laws of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. \n\nThis notice has been delivered via certified mail, return receipt and is dated ___________________.\n\nYou and your company must cease and desist all attempts to collect the above debt. Failure to comply with this law will result in my filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and my State Attorney General's Office. \n\nBe advised, that if any negative information regarding this debt is added to my credit reports after receipt of this letter, I will take all necessary action to protect my rights. \n\nRegards,\n\nSignature\n\nName \n\n\n\n\n                                  OR USE THIS ONE: \n\n\nName Of Creditor\n\nAddress\n\nCity, State, Zip \n\nRe: Account Number\n\nDate \n\nDear creditor/collector, \n\n                                       This letter is to formally advise you that I am requesting you to cease and desist all communications with me immediately regarding the above account. As a third party debt collector- that is- not the original creditor, you must comply. \n\nYour conduct thus far is unacceptable and borders on harassment. \n\nPlease be advised that the following applies to you.\nPursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:\nDebt Collection Practices\n\nIf a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt.\n\n\nYou are governed by this Act as a third party debt collector or creditor attorney. All communication with me including phone calls to my home or business must stop immediately.\nIf you continue to contact me after receiving this dated certified mailing, you will be in violation and I will file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorney General's Office. \n\nSincerely,\n\nYour name\n\nAddress \n\n\n              OR USE THIS FREE CREDIT REPAIR KIT\n\n  http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/free_credit_repair.htm\n\n\n\n         There are dozens of other letters you can use and unlike all the other websites out there, this one is 100% free. \n\nI suggest that anyone who reads this bookmark this page  http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/ because this site is loaded with answers to any credit or debt answer. \n\n\nIf the collection agency or creditor ignores the cease and desist letter, you should file a complaint with the FTC by clicking here: www.ftc.gov  \n\nDocument everything. \n\nSend only certified mail. \n\n\nThen sue them. You can be awarded up to 1% of the agencies net worth, which could be millions! \n\n\nGood luck and make it fun!
349172
You are finding out what I've been trying to warn people about for weeks now.  \n\nNever, ever, pay off an bill that is in collections unless you get IN WRITING that they will remove the negative entry from your record before you pay them a DIME!\n\nNow that they have your money, you no longer have any leverage over them.  Good luck getting them to fix your report.  Remember this....credit reporting agencies only report what the creditor tells them.  They can NOT remove it or change it.  \n\nWhat you will need to do is this.\n\n1) Send a letter to the CRA protesting the report, and tell them exactly what is wrong with it.  If it's paid off try to supply any evidence of it.\n\nThe CRA will contact the creditor to "verify" that the report is legitimate.  Remember they are not investigating anything, they are just verifing with the creditor that the information they have is correct.  \n\nIf the creditor does not change the record, and you have documented evidence that it is wrong, then move on to part 2.\n\n2) Send a "demand for validation" letter to the creditor.  They must supply you with copies of all contracts, bills, receipts, and everything used to calculate what they claim you owe. If they do not produce it, send a copy of this letter with another protest to the CRA to remove the listing.  If they don't do it, you have grounds to sue both the CRA and the creditor.\n\nIf the creditor can not supply proper evidence to prove the listing is accurate, and still will not remove it, you can sue the creditor for violations of the FCRA, and defamation of character.  \n\nRead the links below, contact me if you need more help.
167107
Do not pay it, unless you have a written letter from the university stating that it will remove the bad rating from your credit report.  Most creditors will just mark it as paid and it will show as a paid collection account.  That is the worst mark you can have on your credit history.\n\nNegotiate with them to lift the mark and have it in writing before you pay.  After you pay, it will be too late and they will not take the effort to remove it.
350470
Well all of you information will be on your credit report for 7 years.  Charged off accounts impact your account negatively, only when they are paid in full will they bring your score back up.  If it is not listed on your credit report DO NOT worry about it, if you are only worried about your credit score.  Looking at your scenario, it looks like your credit is in the high 500's, low 600's.  I would suggest keep making payments on time, do not close out any accounts that are currently paid to date, and if you have any more questions contact me... :)\n\ngood luck.
281119
You must first understand how your credit report and credit score is figured out.  Go to the links below and learn about them.\n\nYou already paid off your debts, which is great.  But you made a mistake in not getting an agreement from your creditor to remove any bad reports off your record.  \n\nThey may still do it for you if you ask nice.  Ask them to change the account to "paid as agreed" or at lease remove the negative report from the records.  \n\nBy fixing any negative report it will help to improve your credit score.\n\nNext, study the MYFICO site and understand how your scores are calculated.  Then take the tips they give in improving it.  \n\nIt will not happen overnight.  There is no magic bullet that will fix it.  \n\nAnd don't fall for the claims from Credit Repair Agencies that they can fix it either.  They will do the very things I've mentiond, but charge you a few hundred dollars.\n\nGood luck
192357
Once a bad debt (charge off) is reported to the credit reporting agency, it stays there for 7 years.  It will stay there unless the creditor tells them to remove it.\n\nTherefore, if you pay off the debt, the creditor >>>CAN<<< remove the negative report.  However, many of them will not do it unless forced to do so.\n\nOnce you have paid them off, you no longer have any leverage to force them to do anything.  Remember, collection agents don't give a darn about you, they just want their money.  \n\nThat is why it's so important to GET IN WRITING before you pay them anything that they will remove the report from your record once the debt is paid.\n\nWhy in the world would you pay them and still have a bad credit rating?  \n\nUse the sample letter below as a guide, and negotiate a settlement with them.
562090
The creditor can remove the bad credit information if they want to...you just have to ask them.  If they won't clean your record, why pay them?  \n\nSend them a letter saying that in exchange for a written promise to delete the negative information, you will pay the debt.  That's the only way you will get your record cleaned up.\n\nThese people who tell you that they will put "paid" on your account and it will look better then an unpaid debt are lying!  It's still a negative report, and it's going to hurt your credit score!
301161
Below are my best links. This will help you out.\n\nMy battle cry!   You are about to go to war.  Do NOT fight these guys unarmed.  Knowledge of the law is your only weapon.  Read the links below and get armed!!!!  \n\nKeep a few things in mind before you begin your battle.  If the reports on your credit report are accurate, there is nothing you can do to remove them.  \n\nYou can get some of the items removed by going through a precedure set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  It involves the following:\n\n-Dispute the listing with the Credit Reporting Agency (CRA).  They have 30 days to verify the debt with the creditor.  If they get no response, the listing must be removed.\n\n-If they do get a reply, and the listing stands, you can request that the item be disputed, and a message will appear on that listing for future creditors to see (and usually ignore).\n\n-Send a "validation demand" letter to each creditor.  They have 30 days to respond by sending copies of contracts, letters, bills, and anything used to calculate your debt.  They must prove that they have a valid debt, and you are legally obligated to pay.  Many times the creditor doesn't have the records, doesn't want to spend the time to search, or pay the manpower.  If they ignore this request, send a copy of the letter along with another demand to the CRA to remove the listing.  If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for a lawsuit.\n\nYou can sue for any failure to comply with FCRA law in small claims court (check with your state to see exactly how, as each is differant).\n\nKeep logs of phone calls, send all letters by certified mail, and keep copies of everything!  Carefully study your credit report for any errors.  Is the date they claim you defaulted correct?  Are the balances and credit limits correct?  Challenge all of them!\n\nGood luck
917093
If it has been over 4 years don't worry about it. You will actually do more damage to you credit by paying them off now because your credit is mostly about the last 2 years so if you pay them off now it will show up as a bad account now and drop your credit score.\n\nIf it has only been a year or 2 you can get a free copy of you credit report by calling the credit reporting agencies and it will have the name and contact info for all of you creditors on the last 2 pages.