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Released: February 29, 2012
Help Desk FAQ
Credit Cards
How long does negative information stay on my credit report?
Negative information related to late payments remains on your credit report for seven years. A foreclosure remains on your report for seven years from its filing date, but its impact on your credit score will diminish over time. Unpaid judgments against you can be reported for seven years or until the statue of limitations runs out, whichever is longer.
A bankruptcy filing, however, stays on your credit report for up to ten years and has a more negative impact than even a foreclosure. Many people find that a bankruptcy does not keep them from qualifying for new credit a year or two after the bankruptcy is final (discharged). However, they are almost certain to pay substantially higher interest rates or fees for that credit.
Learn more about credit reports in Consumer Action’s Credit Reports and Credit Scores and on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre03.shtm).
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