 TITLE: Do Library Fines Affect Your Credit Score? CONTENT: Why Library Fines Likely Won't Hurt Your Credit\n-----------------------------------------------\nBack in the day, forgotten library fines actually could show up on your credit report as an unwelcome surprise. But in 2016, the three national consumer credit reporting agencies—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—agreed to change the types of public information that appear on credit reports. Among other reforms, the National Consumer Assistance Plan eliminated \"the reporting of debts that do not arise from a contract or agreement to pay,\" such as traffic tickets or fines. As a result, libraries no longer report this information directly to credit bureaus. If you believe you were reported to a credit bureau, take advantage of our free credit report.\nIs it a concern if the library sends your account to collections, though? Practically speaking, a library is unlikely to send a very small balance to a collection agency; it simply isn't worth the trouble. And if your account goes into collections for an amount less than $100, the collection account may appear on your credit report, but your credit score may not suffer much as a result. FICO® Score☉ 8, the most widely used version of your FICO score, ignores small-dollar \"nuisance\" collection accounts in which the original balance was less than $100.\nIf you are among the few library patrons whose overdue fines are in excess of $100, your credit may indeed be affected if the balance you owe is sent to a collection agency and the agency reports it to the credit bureaus. A collection account will appear as negative information on your credit report for up to seven years. An account in collections is considered delinquent and has the potential to lower your credit score significantly. END