Can I get this removed off my credit report and how much will it effect my score after paying it in full?

Question

I checked my credit report and was surprised about a medical bill that went to collections. It was for $41 back in May 2007. I called and paid them right away on June 2008. I asked if I could get it off my credit report and they said no, but I don't believe them. They said 7 yrs until its removed. Is there way to get it removed, how will it effect my score after it is paid in full, and how much will it effect my chances for loans and whatnot?

Answer 1

They lied.

Had you demanded a pay for delete agreement before you paid this it would have been removed.

Since you did not there really is nothing you can do now, it will show as paid but will still show for 7-years.

Since collections are public records it will be a derogatory account even though you paid it and will hurt your score for the next 24-months.

Answer 2

they are correct as the fair credit reporting act will not allow the removal. Now once paid it should reflect paid in full. It will not affect your finacing anything.

Answer 3

once something gets on your credit report, it stays there for 7 years even when paid off - it will show it as paid or closed - a $41 bill is NOT going to kill your credit score and your score will recover after paying it

Answer 4

some places will remove it.  i've had it done. however even if they won't remove it all things on your credit report will show if you paid it in full or the last time you made a payment. once it's pd in full most places won't hold it against you.

Answer 5

Just my suggestion but I would send them a letter that you paid this debt with the belief that they would delete the negative entry and did so without requesting validation or admitting this debt to be yours.  If they were going to continue to report you are now requesting validation of the debt.

Many CA will delete rather than wasting their time to gather the information to validate a $41 paid debt.