Collections accounts can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years. Even if you pay it in full, it’s still considered a negative account and will remain on your file as a “paid collection” for 7 years. Find out below how I got them legally and permanently removed from my credit reports.
There are many free resources on this site that we have made available for people that are looking for solutions for a current collections problem. One strategy that I didn’t learn about until I started trying to remove a collection from my own credit report was pay for delete negotiation. You have more leverage than you think when dealing with collectors because you have the money and the damage to your credit has already been done so they have little to (legally) threaten you with.
Our collections section is divided into three sections: general information about what a collection is, tactics for dealing with collection debt, and how to remove the negative item from your credit report. Because of the overlap is the credit repair process and the system of collecting debt, it is hard to put each link into just one bucket. We recommend taking the time to understand all the different topics that revolve around the debt collection process. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for you contact us via twitter, facebook, or our credit forum.
Collections General Information
Dealing with Creditors
Removing Collections from Your Credit Report
Read my story below (and check out the photos for proof) to see how you can remove collections from your credit report.
How I Got Bad Credit
I was laid off from my job a few years ago. The unemployment checks ran out, but the bills kept piling up. It got to the point I was no longer able to make my payments, not even the minimums. All of my credit card accounts were charged-off and sent to collection agencies. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn.
My life became a nightmare of collection calls and endless harassment from debt collectors. It was a tough decision for me, but I decided to file bankruptcy. Although the bankruptcy relieved me of the debt, the damage to my credit was already done.
How I Bounced Back
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus
I knew I had to do something about my credit. I’m not the type of person to just sit and wait for 7 to 10 years until the bad credit falls off of my credit report. I tried to apply for new loans to show them I was credit worthy, but every single bank denied me. Getting turned down for loans over and over again was frustrating and embarrassing.
A friend told me about Lexington Law, an affordable law firm that helped him remove negative items from his credit report. Now, I know the last thing you think of when you hear the words “law firm” is “affordable”, but trust me, the pricing is the best part! So, please bear with me. I was very skeptical at first too, but after seeing what they did for him and how much it cost, I knew I had to give them a try!
Lexington Law Changed My Life
I called the 1-800 number at the site (800-220-0084) and spoke to a credit expert who was very friendly and understanding of my situation. She was also very knowledgeable. So, I signed up and boy, am I glad I did! After 3 weeks, I started receiving letters from the credit bureaus stating negative accounts had been removed from my credit reports! (See below.)
Collections Removed from My Credit Report:
My credit scores have dramatically improved since there are no longer any negative accounts on my credit report. Here is a snap shot of my credit scores from since I signed up with Lexington Law:
Lexington Law has helped over 1/2 million clients improve their credit. For over 17 years, Lexington has been the trusted provider of affordable credit repair solutions. You owe it to yourself to at least check it out!
Client Testimonials:
“I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first, but after seeing what you were able to do with my credit after only a few months, it is very reassuring. Thank you for everything you are doing for me and please pass on to your staff my appreciation for all of their hard work.”
— T.B., Lexington client
“I am more than happy with what you have been able to accomplish. When I started, my credit score was 480 and I had several inaccurate items on my report including two charge-offs. My score is now 684 and I just bought a truck at a favorable interest rate … and the credit union now shows my internal score with them to be 782 out of 800. This is what I call results.”
— S., Lexington client
Discount for Couples
Lexington Law is now offering $50 off the initial fee when you and your spouse sign up together. The discount will be applied after the second sign-up is complete.
Get Collections Removed from Your Credit Reports Now!
If you’re sick of going through life with bad credit, call 1-800-220-0084 for a free credit consultation or fill out the form below and a representative will call you.
Facebook
AAAcreditguide.com on Facebook
Twitter
Ask us on Twitter!