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The Daily Insight Hub

What is considered derogatory credit?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on February 11, 2026

Most commonly, the term derogatory refers to accounts that are 60 or 90 days past due or more. It also includes collection accounts, charge-offs, repossessions and foreclosures. It may also refer to other information that indicates credit risk, such as bankruptcy and public records.

How long do unpaid credit cards stay on your record?

seven years
Most negative items should automatically fall off your credit reports seven years from the date of your first missed payment, at which point your credit scores may start rising. But if you are otherwise using credit responsibly, your score may rebound to its starting point within three months to six years.

Do unpaid credit cards fall off credit report?

The short answer: Accounts in collection generally remain on your credit reports for seven years, plus 180 days from whenever the account first became past due. Your account becomes late on Jan. 1, 2018. After 180 days of nonpayment, your creditor charges it off on June 30, 2018.

Can a bank file derogatory information on a credit card?

In addition to this, banks can’t file derogatory information on your NBI record [1] if you have unpaid credit card balances. Thus, you won’t get a “hit” on your NBI clearance for that situation. However, it is strongly encouraged to settle your credit card balance. Accumulating debt will hurt your credit score.

What happens to unpaid credit card debt after seven years?

Credit Reporting Confusion. A common misconception exists that credit card debt you owe disappears after seven years when it disappears off of your credit report. In reality, credit card debt you left unpaid does not go away. However, a creditor has a limited time in which to sue you for the debt, called the statute of limitations.

Can a person be imprisoned for unpaid credit card debt?

But the truth is, unpaid debt is considered a civil liability, not criminal. The Bill of Rights (Art. III, Sec. 20 of the 1987 Charter states that “No person shall be imprisoned for debt.” This is true not only for credit card debts but for other personal debts as well.

What happens when you pay off a derogatory item on your credit report?

It can be beneficial to pay off derogatory credit items that remain on your credit report. Your credit score may not go up right away after paying off a negative item; however, most lenders won’t approve a mortgage application if you have unpaid derogatory items on your credit report.