How can I find out how old an account on my credit report is?

Question

I pulled my credit report from all three bureaus today. On Equifax there is an account listed for a collection agency and all the information it lists is that is in an open account, the high balance, past due amount and that the account is 120 days past due. Then I noticed on all three reports there is an account that was for a credit card I opened in May of 1997. I vaguely remember this but the account is listed as closed and I believe I defaulted on (youthful mistake!). My question is this - how can I find out if the two accounts are related? And how can I determine how long they have been on my report?

Answer 1

You call the collection agency and ask them about the account. Demand they send you validation of the debt.

At this point, it's past the statute of limitations to collect, most likely, so do NOT ever say to them that you accept or acknowledge that the debt is yours. And do NOT send in any type of partial payment, as this will start the statute of limitations clock over again.

But the only way to see what the debt is, is to simply call and ask.

Answer 2

Look for the date of 1st delinquency on your Equifax credit report. That is the date that the account was charged off, and also the date that starts the 7 year reporting clock. The other credit reporting bureaus might show something like "Reported Since", which might give you a clue as to when the account started being listed on your reports.

Answer 3

They have been there since the company you defaulted on decided to collect & sent your account to a collection agency. You need to worry about fixing the problem and getting the "youthful mistake" off your record. Better late than never!

Here's a link to some facts. It might help you in deciding how best to clear this matter up.

Answer 4

it tells you right on the credit report when the account was opened, the last activity, the account number, the lender and their phone number, just call the phone number, it will be an 800 number and they will answer your questions