How Long Do Negative Credit Marks Stay on Your Credit?

Your credit history plays an important role in your financial life, but what happens when you make a financial mistake, miss a payment, or default on a loan? Negative credit marks, like late payments or bankruptcies, can leave a lasting impact on your credit report. Many people wonder, “How long do these negative marks stay on your credit?” Let’s take a look

Types of Negative Credit Marks

Before diving into the timeframe, it’s important to understand the different types of negative credit marks:

Late Payments

Occur when you don’t pay your bills on time.

Collections

Happens when a debt is sent to a collection agency due to non-payment.

Bankruptcy

A legal declaration that you cannot repay your debts.

How Long Do They Stay?

Late Payments

Typically, late payments can stay on your credit report for seven years from the original delinquency date. If you missed a payment in January 2020, it would be removed from your report in January 2027.

Collections

Similar to late payments, collection accounts can also remain on your credit report for seven years, starting from the date the account first became delinquent, leading to the collection.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy, whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, can linger on your credit report for ten years. It’s a significant mark but remember, as time passes, its impact lessens.

Other types of negative remarks generally follow the rule of 7 to 10 years.

Impact on Your Credit Score

These negative marks can significantly lower your credit score, making it harder to qualify for new credit or loans. However, their impact lessens over time, especially if you focus on rebuilding your credit by making on-time payments and managing your finances responsibly.

Consistently paying your bills on time helps improve your credit score over time. Work on paying down existing debts and avoid taking on new ones. Also, regularly monitor your credit report for inaccuracies and dispute any errors you find.

If you’re facing financial difficulties, talk to your creditors. They may offer hardship programs or repayment plans. Remember, negative marks will fade away with time as long as you practice good financial habits. You are not alone and you shouldn’t have to face these issues alone.

Reach out to Marine Credit Union, and one of our financial professionals will help you to get back on track with your credit management.