A single collection account can cause long-term damage to your credit score—even if it’s small, paid off, or no longer accurate. Fortunately, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives consumers specific rights to challenge and remove outdated or incorrect negative information. But how does it work? And is there really a FCRA law to remove collections after 2 years?
What the FCRA Covers
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law designed to protect consumers from inaccurate or unfair reporting by credit bureaus. It does not guarantee the removal of valid collection accounts after two years—but it does create rules that require:
- All credit reporting to be accurate and verifiable
- Consumers to have the right to dispute incorrect, outdated, or duplicate information
- Negative items (including collections) to be removed after 7 years from the date of first delinquency
- Credit bureaus to investigate disputes within 30 days
If you find an old or suspicious collection on your credit report, you have legal options—and you don’t have to fight it alone. According to Ware Law Firm, many people mistakenly believe all collections must be removed after 2 years. That’s not quite true—but there are legal ways to challenge unfair or incorrect items even before the 7-year mark.
Can Collections Be Removed Before 7 Years?
While the FCRA doesn’t promise deletion at 2 years, there are situations where collections can be removed earlier:
1. The Collection Is Inaccurate
If the creditor has reported the wrong balance, account status, dates, or even the wrong person—dispute it. If they can’t verify it within 30 days, it must be removed.
2. The Debt Can’t Be Verified
Under the FCRA, if you request verification from a debt collector and they can’t provide supporting documentation, they can’t continue reporting the collection.
3. It’s Duplicate or Misreported
Some credit reports contain the same collection listed multiple times—or show a balance even after it’s been paid. These are grounds for immediate dispute.
4. It’s Too Old
Once 7 years have passed from the date of the first missed payment, that collection must come off your credit report—even if you never paid it.
So while there isn’t a blanket fcra law to remove collections after 2 years, there are valid legal paths to get them removed if they’re inaccurate or unverified.
See also: Injured With Whiplash and a Concussion? Here’s What Your Case May Be Worth
Steps to Remove a Collection Under the FCRA
If you suspect a collection on your report doesn’t belong—or shouldn’t be reported anymore—follow these steps:
1. Get a Full Copy of Your Credit Report
You’re entitled to one free report per year from each bureau via AnnualCreditReport.com. Review all three: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
2. Identify the Issue
Look for errors in amounts, dates, account numbers, or collection agencies you don’t recognize. Flag anything older than 7 years—or any collections already paid.
3. Dispute the Entry
You can file a dispute directly with the credit bureaus online or by mail. Include documentation (payment proof, letters, etc.). They must respond within 30 days.
4. Request Debt Validation
Send a certified letter to the collection agency asking them to validate the debt. If they fail to do so, they must stop reporting it to the credit bureaus.
5. Follow Up
If the investigation results in deletion, you’ll receive a new credit report. If it doesn’t, and the item is still incorrect, you may need legal help.
When Legal Help Makes Sense
If your dispute doesn’t result in deletion—or if the collector violates your rights (like continuing to report unverifiable information)—you may be able to sue under the FCRA.
At Ware Law Firm, attorneys help consumers enforce their rights and remove damaging inaccuracies from credit reports. They can evaluate whether you have a case for monetary damages or court-ordered removal.
Don’t Fall for Credit Repair Myths
Many online ads claim you can “erase bad credit in 30 days” or that there’s a secret fcra law to remove collections after 2 years. These are often oversimplified or flat-out false.
Here’s what’s true:
- Valid collections generally stay on your report for 7 years
- You can dispute anything inaccurate or unverifiable
- You can request early removal if a collector agrees (sometimes through “pay-for-delete”)
- You have the right to sue for FCRA violations
Final Word
Collections don’t have to haunt your credit report forever—but getting them removed takes strategy, patience, and sometimes legal muscle.
If you believe your credit report includes old, inaccurate, or unverifiable collections, learn more about how to remove collections from your credit report under the FCRA. It could be the first step toward repairing your credit—and restoring your peace of mind.
