What is a date of first delinquency?

The date of first delinquency is the date you first fell behind on an account and never caught back up. It's one of the most important dates on your report.

Why it matters

It starts the clock on how long a negative account can stay on your report. Collections and charge-offs must come off about seven years after this date (the law adds 180 days to the date you first fell behind).

Think of it like a timer

Imagine a seven-year egg timer that starts the day you first fall behind. Selling the debt to a new collector does not restart the timer. Neither does a new collector reporting it with a newer date.

Red flags to look for

A collection or charge-off with no date of first delinquency shown. A date that's earlier than the date the account was opened. Different dates at different bureaus for the same account. Any of these may be a reporting error worth disputing.