Credit repair guide

How to remove a charge off from your credit report

A charge off means the lender wrote the debt off as a loss. It still shows on your report, and it still hurts. Here's how to go after it.

The short version:
  1. Find the charge off on all 3 reports and compare every detail
  2. Check whether it's also showing as a collection
  3. Dispute anything wrong or that you can't verify
  4. If you settle, get any removal agreement in writing first

What a charge off actually is

When an account goes unpaid long enough, usually around 180 days, the lender charges it off: it writes the debt off as a loss on its books. You can still owe it, and it can be sold to a collector. On your report it shows as a charge off on the original account.

Step 1: Compare all 3 reports

Write down the balance, the date of first delinquency, the charge off date and the status on each bureau. Differences between bureaus are common, and every difference is something to dispute.

Step 2: Look for double reporting

If the debt was sold, you might see the original account charged off and a collection for the same debt. Only one of them should show a balance. Two balances for one debt is something to dispute.

Step 3: Dispute it

Dispute anything wrong, incomplete or that you can't verify with each bureau that shows it, with proof. Contact the original creditor to correct anything they're reporting wrong.

Step 4: Settling it

If you decide to pay or settle, ask in writing what they'll report once it's paid, and get that answer in writing before any money moves.

Want every click shown on the real sites?

Standing Skool walks you through the whole process on the real Equifax, Experian and TransUnion sites. 46 short video lessons, dispute letter templates, and a live Q and A every Monday. $30 a month.

Join Standing Skool

Common questions

What is a charge off?

A charge off is when a lender writes an unpaid debt off as a loss, usually after about 180 days. It still shows on your credit report.

Do I still owe a charged off debt?

Often yes. The lender or a collector can still try to collect it.

Can a charge off be removed?

You can dispute anything wrong or unverifiable with each bureau, and negotiate in writing with the creditor.

Why do I see the same debt twice?

A charged off debt sold to a collector can show twice. Only one entry should show a balance.

More guides

How to dispute your credit report yourself (free, step by step)Pull all 3 reports free, find what's wrong, and dispute it yourself with each bureau.How to remove collections from your credit reportHow to get a collection account removed from your credit report yourself: check it on all 3 reports, dispute it, ask the collector to verify, and what to do with every answer.How to remove late payments from your credit reportHow to get late payments off your credit report yourself: find every late mark on all 3 reports, dispute the wrong ones, and send a goodwill letter for the rest.How to remove hard inquiries from your credit reportHow to find and remove hard inquiries you didn't authorize from your credit report, and how long the rest stay and affect your score.