Benefit of removing Collection Accounts when there are also Charge-Offs?

[jeffeverde]

I'm trying to evaluate whether it's worth the cost (in time and/or money) of trying to remove some JDB accounts now, versus letting them age off my reports.  The accounts will all age off in 18 months, and I don't anticipate needing any loans between now and then.

I have 5 credit cards that went into default in March 2009 (out of SOL in my state).

• Two of the accounts were Orchard Bank (showing as HSBC on the CR's)
• Three of the accounts were Cap1
• All five have been charged off
• Four have been sold to JDB's.
• Cap1 still owns one account

My only other derogatory is a State Tax lien that was filed in 2011 and satisfied in 2013 (California - and they won't remove a satisfied lien   ).

With all the changes in ownership of the Orchard accounts, they might be susceptible to a dispute.  But I imagine the Cap1 CO's are on my CR's till they age off.  

So with 5 CO's (possibly reducing to 3), would there be any score benefit in getting the JDB accounts removed (thru dispute or PFD)?   Or do I just let these grow old and die?  With them being out of statue and 18 months from aging off, I assume I could negotiate some favorable settlements on these accounts (the original CO balances were all in the $1000-2500 range -- the JDBs have inflated them to $2500-4500)

.  .

[CreditDunce]

I am lazy, so I would probably just let them age.  Your score will improve if you can get any of the big baddies removed.  However, the last one is the most important for your score.  It may be difficult to get the last one removed.

On the flip side, it sounds like you may be able to PFD for not that much money.   It may even be a simple process to file a DV for at least some of the debts.  Unless you do so, it is always possible that the old debts will pop backup.  It may be more than 7 years, but the bottom feeders are known attempt to re-age accounts.   The old debts may not be listed on your credit report, but they may be listed on other databases.

Perhaps someone with more experience can assist you?  You may want to ask this question in the rebuilding forum or ask a mod to move it there.