Derogatory marks could negatively impact your credit report because they can be linked to issues like bankruptcy or serious delinquency. These remarks could damage your credit score and could result in:
- Difficulty qualifying for new credit,
- Paying more interest on debt,
- Higher insurance premiums,
- Difficulty renting an apartment, and
- Possible disqualification of applications for employment.
If you have derogatory marks on your credit report, it is vital you address them as soon as possible and try to prevent future issues.
How Long Derogatory Marks Remain Reported On Your Credit?
The duration each remark remains reported is set out by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), but generally 7 years.
What Categories Of Derogatory Marks Are Reported On Credit Reports?
The following remarks make up the 8 most common categories of derogatory marks and the duration of each:
Collections:
When a creditor “charges-off” the debt and sells it to a third party debt collector. This mark stays on your credit report for 7 years.
Account Charge-off:
A creditor decides that repayment is unlikely and closes the account. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency. The mark remains on your credit report for 7 years.
Missed payments:
Once a creditor reports a payment that is over 30 days past due to credit bureaus, the mark stays on a credit report for 7 years. If you get the account into good standing; a “letter of goodwill” to the creditor could get the mark removed.
Bankruptcy:
The two common personal bankruptcy are chapter 7 and chapter 13.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 years.
- Chapter 13 remains on your credit report for 7 years. Guided by the courts to devise a 3-5 year repayment plan to consolidate your debts.
Repossession:
If payments are outstanding for an item purchased on credit (like a fridge or car), the creditor may repossess it without warning. The mark remains on your credit report for 7 years.
Student Loan Debt
When you fail to pay student loan payments, the mark is listed for 7 years.
Foreclosure
Failing to make payments on a home loan allows creditors to repossess it. Foreclosure is listed on a credit report for 7 years.
Hard Inquiries
When a lender checks your credit score before making a decision on approving you for credit. Here the mark remains on a credit report for 2 years, but only negatively affects it for 1 year.
How Much Does A Derogatory Mark Impact Your Credit Score?
All derogatory remarks will adversely affect your credit report based on a variety of factors.
Your credit score can drop by 5-10 points for hard inquiries, whereas late payments after a full billing cycle could reduce your score by as much as 90-110 points.
Preventing derogatory remarks is far easier than undoing them. It is important to review your credit reports and ensure all your verified accounts are kept in good-standing.
Bottom Line
Derogatory remarks will adversely affect your credit score. Most remarks remain on your report for 7 years. A low credit score makes applying for new credit and loans difficult. Ordering a free annual credit report can help prevent a negative credit report.
