How Long Does Stuff Stay In Credit Reports? [Infographic]

Your credit reports contain useful information that paints a picture of your “creditworthiness.” But, like any type of report, credit reports don’t tell a reader the complete story about you, your life, or how you’re living it. For that, they’ll have to read your autobiography.

As credit scores have become more available and accessible, consumer interest in them has grown—but so has consumer confusion. Most people don’t understand the differences between credit scores, and many don’t know the difference between credit scores and credit reports. Throw in credit reporting agencies, and it gets even more confusing.

Your credit reports are like report cards on how you’re doing with your credit. Potential lenders rely on them to get an accurate picture of your credit behavior in order to make more informed decisions on extending you credit.