 TITLE: How Long Do Collections Stay on Your Credit Report? CONTENT: How Do Collections Affect Your Credit Scores?\n---------------------------------------------\nA collection account is a negative item that can hurt your credit scores. But the impact on your score can depend on the type of credit score and whether you've paid off the collection.\nFor example, the latest FICO® Score☉ and VantageScore® models ignore paid collection accounts, while previous score versions may count paid collections against you.\nBut when you're applying for a loan with a lender that uses older scoring models—such as a mortgage lender—paying down your collections could still be important. Credit scores aside, the lender may review your credit history, and having unpaid collections could make it more difficult to qualify. While even paid collection accounts are negative, they may be viewed more positively by lenders than an account that remains unpaid. END