How long do lines of credit stay on your credit report?

[Anonymous]

In my credit report it shows an aspect that is hurting my score is the number of lines of credit I either have or have had (most are closed).  The ones that are closed are closed due to the department store using a different bank for their lines of credit or simply because the balance has been paid off.  My question is, how long do these lines of credit stay on my credit report even after being closed.  For example, I have 3 that were paid off and closed in 1997 (all were in good standing).  But they still show on my credit report.  Most are due to same as cash financing at department or furniture stores (no longer used after being paid off).  I like this option....but it seems to be hurting my credit (as stores seem to switch providers each time I try to make a larger purchase).

[haulingthescoreup]

Is this a FICO credit score report? Or just a credit score report?

FICO does give a negative of "too many accounts," but it seems to be a negative without teeth. Kind of once everything else is perfect, this might cost you 3-5 points.

If this is a FICO score report, what are your scores? Is it FICO Equifax (EQ), FICO Transunion (TU), or FICO Experian (EX)? If it's a FICO report, what does it say on screen two, where it lists your positives (EQ and TU) and your negatives (all three), and in what order?

If it's not a FICO report, then pffft, it doesn't matter; it's a FAKO.


eta: oh, sorry --welcome to the forums!

Message Edited by haulingthescoreup on 01-03-2009 04:03 PM