Will it improve my credit if I pay off all items in collections? Would this improve my credit score?

Question

I currently have 8 items that are in collections, they are mostly medical bills. Will it help if I start paying these items off or will it be better to leave them alone.

Answer 1

To answer your question, no, your credit score will not improve by you paying off collections. The only ways to improve your scores are 1) pay your current bills on time and 2) reduce your debt ratio. Those are the only two.

Back to your collections. All collections will stay on your report for 7 years from the date of last delinquency. After that, they are supposed to fall off the report. (It's actually illegal for the CRAs to report your debt beyond that point). If you pay your collections before this date, they still will not fall off until the 7 years is over. BUT the accounts can be updated to show that they have been settled for less than full balance or paid in full. (Depending on how you handle each situation). This looks much better on your report than open collections just sitting there.
Now, if you just ignore them, it doesn't mean that they go away. If they fall off of the report after 7 years, you might still owe the debt. You might hear a lot about the statute of limitations...each stat is different. Basically, the SOL means that after a certain amount of time, the debtors cannot take any legal action against you in an attempt to collect the debt. So, they cannot place a judgment against you, put a lien on your house, etc. BUT they can still attempt to collect the debt. I'm saying all that to say this: if you have the means to take care of these things, DO. It is better for you in the long run.

I hope that helps...good luck!

Answer 2

First, most collectors will openly accept a pay for delete if you pay the entire balance. The only way to raise your score ASAP as you put it would be to get all the collection agencies to accept a pay for delete and wipe out all the collection accounts. Otherwise, it will take you at least two years of good credit history (on-tie payments, judicious use of existing accounts, low month-to-month balances) to rebuild your credit. Remember, it probably took you a while to get your score so low, it is going to take a while to rebuild it and regain trust. Obviously, if you don't at least get the accounts to a paid and closed status, it will take at least seven years from last activity to drop off te hreport and your credit will not improve.

Answer 3

No they will just be marked as satisfied, and remain on your report for seven years after the last transaction. Lets say they are six years old, and only have 1 year remaining before they fall off if you pay now, then they will be there for seven more years, unless you get an agreement from them in writing that they will remove them

Answer 4

How old are the bills??? Past 5 years dont pay..Most people are in debt because of medical Bills

Answer 5

if you negotiate with the companies you owe money to & intend to satisfy payments, have them put in writing that when the debt is satisfied they will remove it from all reporting agencies. then, when the debt is paid, make sure they follow-up. get everything in writing & make sure they notate your accounts w/ comments to that effect....

Answer 6

you want to clean up your credit sooner, or later?
If they write them off as bad debt they wont clear for 7 years.

Answer 7

if you pay them it will help your Credit and when they are all paid off it will help your credit score.If you can not pay them all at once start paying them in small amounts.