Can Consumers Request Removal of Old, Closed Accounts from Credit Reports?

In general, consumers cannot request the removal of old, closed accounts from their credit reports simply because they are no longer active. However, there are specific circumstances where old accounts may be removed, particularly if there are errors or inaccuracies in the reporting. Understanding when and how this can be done is important for managing one's credit history and maintaining an accurate credit score.

Key Points on Closed Accounts and Removal:

1. Credit Reporting of Closed Accounts:
   • Closed accounts—whether paid in full or charged off—typically remain on your credit report for 7 to 10 years from the date of the last activity, depending on the nature of the account.
   • For example, closed credit card accounts that are in good standing (i.e., no late payments) remain for 10 years from the date they were closed. Accounts that were charged off (i.e., the lender considered the debt uncollectible) typically stay for 7 years from the original delinquency date.
2. Can Closed Accounts Be Removed?:
   • No, not automatically: Once an account is closed, it is typically reported until the required period expires. Simply requesting removal of closed accounts because they are old or no longer active is not a valid reason under credit reporting laws.
   • However, if the account contains errors: If there are inaccuracies or errors—such as incorrect dates, balances, or payment history—you can dispute the information with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). The bureaus are required to investigate disputes, and if the information cannot be verified as accurate, it must be removed.
3. Removing Accounts with Errors:
   • Dispute Process: If you find errors in a closed account (such as an account marked as closed by the lender when you actually closed it, or incorrect payment history), you can file a dispute with the credit bureau. The credit bureau must investigate and resolve the dispute, usually within 30 days.
   • Correcting Mistakes: If the credit bureau finds that the closed account contains inaccurate information, it will be corrected or removed. For instance, if an old account is mistakenly reported as open or active, and it has actually been closed for years, this can be corrected.
4. Credit Report Clean-Up Services:
   • Some consumers use credit repair services that claim to help remove closed accounts from credit reports. However, these services cannot legally remove accurate information. They can assist in disputing errors or negotiating with creditors, but the removal of valid, closed accounts (if not erroneous) is unlikely.
5. How Long Do Closed Accounts Stay on a Credit Report?:
   • Closed, positive accounts: Generally, these remain on your report for up to 10 years from the date they were closed, helping to improve your credit history and score.
   • Closed, negative accounts (such as accounts that were charged off, defaulted, or went to collections): These stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the original delinquency.
6. Impact of Closed Accounts on Credit Score:
   • Positive closed accounts can help your credit score by contributing to the length of your credit history and showing a responsible repayment history.
   • Negative closed accounts, like those with missed payments or charge-offs, can lower your score but generally lose their impact as time passes, especially after they are removed from the credit report after the prescribed period.

Example:

If a consumer closed a credit card account 5 years ago and has paid it off, it will remain on their credit report for up to 10 years. If the report shows that the account is still active or lists inaccurate information (such as missed payments when there were none), the consumer can dispute it with the credit bureau for correction or removal.

Consumer Rights:

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Under the FCRA, consumers have the right to dispute any inaccurate information on their credit reports, including old or closed accounts with incorrect data. If information is found to be unverifiable or incorrect, the credit bureaus are required to remove or correct it.

In summary, consumers cannot request the removal of old, closed accounts from their credit reports unless there is an error or inaccuracy associated with the account. If errors are found, they can dispute the account with the credit bureaus to have it corrected or removed. Let me know if you'd like further clarification!