Information on credit bureau and collection account reporting - The Bills.com Blog

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Information on credit bureau and collection account reporting

Friday, Oct 12, 2007

Question: Can the credit bureau report a collection account with less than a $100 balance on your credit report?

Answer: According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, all trade lines can be reported on each of the credit bureaus - and there is no limit on the dollar amount of the individual account. However, the reporting agencies must update and keep accurate data in their credit files. If there is erroneous information (like your collection account, that you believe is inaccurate), you must notify them (typically through a certified letter) and then wait one reporting cycle (90 days) for the errors to be removed.

I'd recommend calling the lender and asking them to "re-age" the account if you pay it off. Request a verification letter from them, and then when you get it, file it with the three major bureaus.

Most credit bureaus update their files every 90 days, or approximately quarterly. This does not necessarily mean that what you are seeking will show up in the next reporting cycle,
as there are frequent delays in reporting. Also, all items remain on your credit report for up to 7 years. A bankruptcy may remain on your credit report for up to 10 years.

There are three major credit bureaus that offer credit reports, if there is something that you want added or removed, you should contact them directly:

Equifax
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

Experian
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

Trans Union
1-800-916-8800
www.transunion.com

Since you are asking about credit updates, you might also be interested in how your credit score is calculated. Your credit rating is calculated based on several variables,
including: your payment history (do you have any late payments, charge-offs, etc.), the amount and type of debt that you owe, if you have maxed out any of your trade lines, and then several other secondary factors like the length of your credit history and how many recent inquiries have been made to look at your credit history. Paying off delinquent or maxed out trade-lines will almost always help your credit score.

If you would like more information, please visit our credit resource page at:
http://www.bills.com/credit/

We hope that this helped you to Find, Learn, and Save!

Best,
Bill
www.bills.com

Also, make sure to get a free financial health check-up with Bills IQ!

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Bill has answered all sorts of questions and has been able to provide those in need of financial guidance with helpful and valuable advice and information on their specific financial area of interest. If you need specific guidance on any of the above mentioned financial areas, feel free to Ask Bill your financial questions and get better informed. Also, make sure to get a free financial health check-up with Bills IQ!

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