Going to try another post since that one seems to have worked I have about 14 "potential problem" accounts on my TU report. I think I've taken care of about 3 of them. 3 of them aren't going anywhere because they're mine and they have balances I have yet to pay off. Then there are about 7 of them that I need further advice for. They are all closed accounts and all paid in full. They, at one time, had negative information (only late pays though) and they have all been closed 4-6 years. Some will automatically (yeah right) roll off next year and the other 2-3 will in 2005 but I'm going to need to apply for a new car loan soon and would like to get them off NOW! Do they really matter much on my score and should I even be messing with those at that point? As I said, I no longer owe anything on any of them. Suggestions?? Thanks! TU ? EQ 590 (some disputes pending since this score) EX 610 (same)
I would simply dispute them with the CRAs. Simple as that. If there are just some late pays, dispute it as never late, or if they are paid charge offs or collections, dispute as not mine. That should do it.
BlueEyes, even though it takes a little nudging sometimes, the CRA's are required to delete the account after 7 years.
I would start by disputing all w/ the CRA. Any that are left over, I would write goodwill letters for. Many say that goodwill only work for unpaid, but I had very good luck w/ it for a paid multiple late account. I sent it via PFB, and had 31+ 90 day lates removed from a TL, while saving the 13 yr old account. Worked great. If that doesn't work, start on the nutcase letters. These are designed for paid accounts. Most will probably come off w/ simple disputes w/ the CRA anyway! G/L
Thanks for the suggestions. Just some clarification - these are all PAID IN FULL accounts with the OC's - never turned to collection that should hit 7 years sometime in late 2003. How exactly do I dispute these - with letters, online or some other way? What exactly do I dispute - not mine? Also, how many can I dispute at one time without it being a problem? I have copies of so many sample letters that it's become a confusing mess! I've used several goodwill letters in the past week (to have some lates removed from active accounts) and expect to be hearing back with the next few weeks on those before I send a followup. Thanks for all the help! Beginning scores - pending some disputes out there now: TU ?? EX 615 EQ 590
One word of caution: If the derogs are minor and old, having the entire tradeline deleted could likely lower your score. (Especially if it's your oldest account) I wouldn't dispute as "not mine" for that very reason. I had a student loan opened in 97 (my oldest account) with 1 90 day late. I disputed with Transunion as "never late". The dep of ed didn't respond to the dispute, so Transunion deleted the entire account. Dropped my score 50 POINTS! Can't speak for the other 2 bureaus, but TU says they always delete if creditor doesn't respond. Maybe others will share experiences with other 2 bureaus. Scrivener
If you know someone who is willing to make you an authorized user on a card with a long, solid history, this is an excellent way to quickly "download" good credit. Scrivener
That's a great idea and one I've considered. My dad has PERFECT - yes a perfect score and he has at least one major card that he pays every month that I'm sure he could list me as a user on. I thought about that but didn't know how much it would help. I'm thinking now that as old as the others are I might not should be so focused on them. The only reason 5-6 of those are even showing up on the negative side is that PRIOR to 1996 when they were closed there were some late/slow pays. That really shouldn't change my scores much anyway should it?? I just hate having those all show up as "negatives" on my reports.
