“How to Remove a Collection From Your Credit Report (Even If You Paid It)”

Paid off a collection but it’s still haunting your credit report?

You’re not alone—and yes, there are ways to have it removed. Even after a collection is paid, it can still hurt your score if it’s reporting inaccurately or violating your rights under the law. Let’s break down how to fix it, step-by-step.

Step 1: Review All 3 Credit Reports

Before doing anything else, check how the collection is showing up on:

• Experian

• Equifax

• TransUnion

Ask yourself:

• Is it listed as unpaid even though you paid it?

• Do the dates match across all bureaus?

• Is it only showing up on one or two reports?

If you notice inconsistencies, you might have a case under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to challenge the accuracy.

Step 2: Ask for Debt Validation (Even After Payment)

Collectors are still required to prove the debt is valid—even if you’ve already paid it.

You can request:

• Proof they were legally assigned the debt

• A breakdown of the original charges

• Their state licensing info (especially important in states like NC)

If they can’t validate, you have the right to dispute it.

Step 3: Dispute Any Inaccuracies or Violations

If the collection is:

• Reporting with conflicting info

• Still showing as open when it should be closed

• Has duplicate entries

• Or is not being reported consistently across all 3 bureaus

…you can file a dispute directly with each credit bureau under FCRA § 611. Be specific—general disputes like “not mine” won’t get far. Use clear reasons like:

“This collection is reporting a different Date Last Active on Experian vs TransUnion, violating Metro 2 formatting guidelines.”

Step 4: Request a Goodwill Deletion

Sometimes a collector or original creditor will agree to remove the account as a goodwill gesture, especially if:

• It’s been paid in full

• You had a temporary hardship (loss of job, medical issue, etc.)

• You’ve been making regular payments

💡 Pro tip: Be kind but firm in your goodwill letter. A human may actually read it!

Step 5: Don’t Fight Alone If You’re Stuck

DIY credit work is powerful, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re frustrated, overwhelmed, or just want someone to handle it for you…

📌 Nygaard Credit Solutions can help.We specialize in challenging outdated, inaccurate, or unverifiable accounts—legally, ethically, and with full compliance.

Need help reviewing your report?👉 Book your free Credit Consultation Call here and let’s see what we can clean up together.

Be sure to check out our Resources page for guides and templates**