How to Get a Charge-off Removed From Your Credit Report

If only the collection bureaus would realize how much more money they would make if they would simply agree to remove the items from the report, upon full payment!

Instructions

1

Look for phone numbers for the companies reporting the charge-offs. Write them down, along with the name and account number listed on each credit report. (may be different on each report)

2

Once you have them listed, call each company, and pleasantly let them know you are calling to settle a debt, in exchange for a letter stating that they are willing to remove each debt from your credit report. If the company agrees to delete the debt completely, then move on to the next step. If they do not remove the item, you can chose to pay the debt, but if the debt is not removed, and only updated as payed in full, it may still affect your credit score.

3

Write down the time, day and name of the person you spoke to at the collection company, whether they agree to remove the debt or not. You may need this incase a company tries to say you never contacted them to make arrangements on the debt. Keep details!

4

Once they have agreed, ask them to mail a statement, or fax the agreement letter to you in writing, along with a bill and a return envelope.

5

Once you receive the letter, pay the debt with a check or credit card. Do not pay with a money order if you can help it, and never send cash. You want to pay with a credit card or check, because you may need to show proof of a canceled check, or bank statement to the credit bureaus to have the charge-off removed. It may take the collection company up to 45 days to remove the item. If you have the letter, and a copy of a canceled check or bank statement, you may be able to call the bureau directly to have the item removed sooner.

6

If you chose to pay the company over the phone, with a credit card, make sure the company is willing to fax you an agreement letter before you pay it, stating that upon payment, they are willing to remove the item from each report that they report to. Some companied may only report information to two bureaus, as you will notice when you pull your report. It is very important that you have that information.