How long does it typically take collections to show up on a CR?

[Anonymous]

So, I recently had an unplanned trip to the ER resulting in numerous bills. One of them, for $1,000, was just sent to collections a few days ago. 

I’m thinking of applying for one or two more 0% APR credit cards before my seven years of credit purgatory begin, so I’m wondering about how long I have until that happens now? Thanks in advance! 

[Anonymous]

You should have tried to work out a payment plan with the Medical facility/Doctor before this happend. Now that it has went to Collections, you could ask for PFD, that's teh best case secenario. Either way you're going to pay for it, so I would prefer the one that leads to it being removed from CR. It's the less costly route long term.

[Iusedtolurk]

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@Anonymous wrote:

So, I recently had an unplanned trip to the ER resulting in numerous bills. One of them, for $1,000, was just sent to collections a few days ago. 

I’m thinking of applying for one or two more 0% APR credit cards before my seven years of credit purgatory begin, so I’m wondering about how long I have until that happens now? Thanks in advance! 

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If I remember correctly with the new laws a unpaid medical debt has 90 days before the creditor can report it to the credit bureaus after they notify you of collection status.

I would try to get with them and if possible pay it off as soon as possible or make some type of arrangement so it doesn't get reported.

7 years is a long time to suffer from a derogatory reporting if it can be avoided.

If you can apply and get approved for a couple of new cards based on your profile I would use those if I don't have ready cash to pay off the collection.

[Anonymous]

I’m not an expert but I think it’s 180 days before they are allowed, to give time for insurance to pay, if I recall correctly.