The standard clock
Most negative information — late payments, charge-offs, collections — can remain for seven years from the date of first delinquency. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can remain for ten years.
Impact fades before removal
Scoring models weigh recent behavior more heavily. A late payment from four years ago hurts far less than one from four months ago, especially with positive history stacking on top.
Inquiries and closed accounts
Hard inquiries fall off after two years. Closed accounts in good standing can helpfully remain for up to ten years.
What you can do meanwhile
Dispute anything inaccurate, keep every current account spotless and let time plus positive history do the heavy lifting.
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