how long on credit

Credit information can, and usually does, stay on a person's credit report for seven years. Collections stay on the report for seven years from the date of last activity - whether that is the date that the account was filed as a collection or the date the account was paid in full.

Type of Information Length of Time Can Stay on Credit Report
General credit information Seven years


Collection Seven years from date of last activity


Bankruptcy Ten years


Foreclosure Twelve years from the date filed


Garnishment Twelve years from the date or entry or seven years from the date satisfied.


Judgment Twelve years from the date or entry or seven years from the date satisfied


Tax lien Twelve years from the date or entry or seven years from the date satisfied


Dismissed garnishments, judgments, and tax liens Not reportable


A consumer can request copies of his or her credit report from the three credit bureaus and dispute information that is incorrect. Incorrect information can be corrected or removed, but correct information (good or bad) usually stays on the report for the period allowed. Only the credit granter or credit bureau can remove correct information - the consumer cannot remove it.
Please bear in mind that these are current as of this writing and the length of time periods may change at any time.

Actually it is 7 and a half years from date of delinquency, not when it goes to collections.