How do I remove Collection account from my credit report?

[CoLeTiTA]

I just checked my Credit Karma and my credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and I saw a huge dip in my TransUnion score that occurred last month. Apparently, 3 years ago, my previous apartment charged me for a short-term lease premium shortly after I left them which I was unaware of. And because I didn’t pay for it, it went to collections (to National Credit System) which hugely dropped my credit score only last month.
The debt is only about $100 which I don’t have any problem paying off, but it seems that simply paying them probably won’t clear off the bad mark; so, I haven't paid them off yet. I have NEVER been contacted by the National Credit System so far and I haven’t reached out to them. What should I do to make sure that this collection is removed from my credit report ASAP so that my FICO scores improve? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[GoHooterGo]

Offer a Pay for Delete (PFD) which means you will pay the entire balance owed in full of the Collection Agency agrees to delete/remove tradeline from Credit Reporting Bureaus

[FireMedic1]

NCS has been known to PFD. Call them and ask for a PFD. For such a small amount they just might do it. Plus its best to pay your debts for future credit moves. Good Luck!

[CoLeTiTA]

Thank you all for your suggestions!

How do I make sure that they will delete the collection account after I pay? Like, what if they don’t remove my collection account after I pay?

Also, how long might it take for the collection to be deleted and my score to be updated by the credit bureau?

[babygirl1256]

@CoLeTiTA  . . . Yes, they offer a Pay for Delete (PFD) and will delete/remove tradeline from Credit Reporting Bureaus within 30 days. I think mine took about 2 weeks for Experian to update their records . . . but that was several years ago. Best wishes in resolving this issue in your favor. 

[CoLeTiTA]

Thanks! Would it be better to mail a Pay for Delete letter? Or will a phone call be safe to offer PFD?

[lucknpat]

I would call as most CAs will not put a PFD in writing. Plus, calling and doing the PFD will make it faster than a letter.

[CoLeTiTA]

Ok! What are the important things to consider when calling them for PFD? Or is it a simple process where they will easily accept PFD?

[CoLeTiTA]

I called them and they agreed on PFD and it went smooth. I really hope that my score regains back to normal.🤞 Thank you all for your help! ☺️

[gdale6]

For your future reference here are some PFD letter examples that may help you construct a letter to your creditor. Grats on getting the PFD on this one!

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Rebuilding-Your-Credit/PFD-Q-amp-A-Examples-and-PFD-Success-Stories/...

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Rebuilding-Your-Credit/PFD-Example-Letter/td-p/4519