how to remove a collection older than seven years from my credit report

Use the free tool — Credit Report Dispute

An old collection still showing on your report?

Credit bureaus must reinvestigate anything you dispute within 30 days and delete what they can't verify. The lender or collector that reported it has its own separate duty to investigate. Most people click "dispute" online and get a form-letter "verified" back. Pasting the item and what's actually true is different — you get two letters, sent by certified mail, with proof attached.

What the tool does with your item

Paste the tradeline as it appears, what's wrong about it, and what proof you have. Credit Report Dispute tells you the rule it breaks, drafts the two letters — one to the credit bureau (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) under §611, one to the lender or collector under §623 — and computes the 30-day reinvestigation deadline from the date you send it.

Each letter cites the rule and lists the attachments to include.
The 30-day date is calculated from your send date, not the date you write the letter.
Dispute each bureau separately — a letter to one bureau doesn't cover the others.

Sending it

Send the letters by certified mail with return receipt. Attach copies of your proof, never originals.

If they "verify" it anyway

The tool tells you what to do if the bureau "verifies" the item without really looking into it — that step is part of the output, so you'll need to run your own dispute through the tool to see it. Options mentioned include filing a CFPB complaint and adding a 100-word statement to your file if it comes to that.

What this tool can't do

Credit Report Dispute drafts FCRA disputes based on the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Regulation V and CFPB guidance. It is not legal advice, and it cannot see your full credit report. Check the specifics with a consumer attorney if you're unsure — especially if you're considering damages for a willful violation, since FCRA damages and fees are available through a consumer attorney in that case. Never pay a "credit repair" company to do this: the law gives you the same tools for free. If the item is on a background check for a job or an apartment instead of your credit report, use Background Check Dispute instead.

What to do next

Paste the item as it appears on your report and what's actually true. The free tool reads your own document and numbers, tells you the rule it breaks, drafts both letters, and computes the 30-day deadline for you. It's free, and it's offered in English and Spanish.

Use the free tool

Credit Report Dispute is an informational tool based on the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), Regulation V (12 CFR 1022) and CFPB guidance as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not send disputes. Employment and tenant screening reports are covered by Background Check Dispute. It is not affiliated with any bureau, lender or agency.