for how long does a account stay in your credit report
How long does it take for bad credit to go away? Negative accounts on a credit report are usually removed after 7 years; however, negative accounts pertaining to bankruptcies generally remain on the credit report for 10 years. The time starts when the account is first listed as past due, according to Equifax.
It will remain on your credit report for seven years and 180 days after it was first reported late. Although paying the settlement is unlikely to affect your credit score, it will ensure that you are not sued. A judgment against you is an even worse blemish on your credit report than a collection.