Checked my credit report from freecreditreport.com today, noticed my score dropped about 15 points in the past 6 months - freecreditreport.com says that it's been .4 years since an account was listed negative, but I can't find the negative information on any of my accounts from any of the bureaus! The last account listed as negative that I can see was a credit card payment that was 30 days late in March of 2009 (not .4 years ago). Is there some other factor that plays into "time since negative" other than late payments/bankruptcy/judgements/collections that I could be missing?
First, I wouldn't worry too much about a 15 point swing unless you're applying for a mortgage soon and are right on the cusp of where you need to be. And second, I wouldn't pay attention to any "FAKO" credit score you get from freecreditreport.com. If your credit reports look clean except for the late pay that you know is legitimate, then I would just focus on trying to get that 30-day late pay removed. Also, if you want to know your real credit scores (the ones lenders actually use), get them from myFico.com.
