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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

Learn how the CFPB can help you

How long does information about me stay on my consumer report?

Answer:

Consumer reporting agencies are required by law to remove most negative information about your account after seven years, which generally means that if you find an item in their report that is older than seven years you should dispute that information.

Note that consumer reporting agencies are not required to remove information about bankruptcies for ten years and that civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest can stay on for seven years or until the governing statute of limitations has expired, whichever is the longer period.

Consumer reporting agencies can always choose to delete data earlier than required by law.

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The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.