Thursday, July 14, 2011

What Does Credit Card Charge Off Mean?

What Does Credit Card Charge Off Mean?

If a credit card company determines that your account balance cannot be collected, they will charge it off of their account receivables listing. Many accounts are forwarded to a collection agency for further collection activity at this point.

Types

    When a credit card company charges off an account, it means they are reporting it as a loss for their accounting records. A charged-off account is the same as a bad debt or uncollectible account.

Effects

    Accounts are charged off when a customer has not made a payment in 180 days. This information is reported on a credit file for seven years. Charged-off accounts can lower your credit score significantly.

Timeframe

    If a charged-off account is reported on your credit file for a period longer than seven years, you may want to submit a written dispute with the credit reporting agency. They will investigate and have the information removed within 30 days.

Credit Rating

    Charged-off accounts will show up on a credit file as an I-9 or R-9. The I stands for installment and the R stands for revolving account.

Significance

    A credit card company will report a charged-off account to the IRS for tax purposes.

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