Most negative information can be reported for 7 years. Bankruptcies can stay for 10 years from the order for relief, and criminal convictions have no federal time limit. Certain large credit, insurance, and high-salary employment reports are exempt from these limits.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act limits how long a consumer reporting agency may report adverse information. The limits are in 15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a).
The federal reporting periods
| Type of information | Maximum reporting period |
|---|---|
| Bankruptcy cases | 10 years from the date of the order for relief or adjudication |
| Civil suits, civil judgments, and arrest records | 7 years from date of entry, or until the governing statute of limitations expires, whichever is longer |
| Paid tax liens | 7 years from the date of payment |
| Accounts placed for collection or charged off | 7 years (clock starts as described below) |
| Any other adverse item | 7 years |
| Records of criminal convictions | No federal time limit |
For delinquent accounts placed for collection or charged off, the 7-year period begins 180 days after the start of the delinquency that led to the collection or charge-off (§ 1681c(c)), which works out to roughly 7 years and 180 days from the original delinquency.
Exceptions
The time limits do not apply to reports used in connection with (§ 1681c(b)):
- a credit transaction involving a principal amount of $150,000 or more;
- underwriting life insurance with a face amount of $150,000 or more; or
- employment at an annual salary of $75,000 or more.
What the limits do not cover
The 7-year rule restricts adverse information. Positive account history is not subject to it, and bureaus may keep closed accounts in good standing longer. Separately, state law may impose additional limits.
If an item is too old
An item reported past its legal period is a reportable error. Dispute it with the bureau, identifying the date of first delinquency or other date that shows the item is obsolete. The bureau must delete information it finds inaccurate or cannot verify (§ 1681i(a)(5)).
Related
- How to Dispute Credit Report Errors With Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
- What Is the FCRA? The Fair Credit Reporting Act in Plain English
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681c — Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports (Cornell LII)
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681i — Procedure in case of disputed accuracy (Cornell LII)
Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.