Hi, I was a student in USA before 6 years and went back to my host country after finishing my graduation. Due to an emergency in leaving, I didnt have a chance to settle all my debt. That debt is currently reflected on my credit report as a write off / collection. I have recently moved back to the USA and I have every intention of paying the old debt off. But I have confusion with regards to the following: * Should I pay it off now or wait till next year when it gets wiped off from my credit report ? Some people suggest doing the latter as apparently even an inquiry into old debt brings it to recent history? * How do I go about finding the right resources to negotiate paying off the debt and getting it removed from my credit report? I dont remember all details about my credit cards. * What is the procedure of removing an entry from the credit report which has been made both by the original lender and the collection agency? I am presuming if I call the collection agency, they will only remove their own part of the entry on the credit report. Any help would be truly appreciated. Thanks,
