Credit + credit card question

[patrick409]

Hi all, just got a credit report with FICO score.

595

Yuck. Couldn't possibly be that bad right?

So I looked into it, and it turns out that most of the crap was from a credit card that my dad got. He added my name to that account back in 1999 because I wasn't 18 yet and I didn't have a CC. I used it once or twice and never since. I am an "authorized user".

I thought that stuff didn't appear on MY credit report, since it's not really my account. The account is billed to my dad and only my dad. My mom takes care of the bills and she keeps forgetting to pay, so there are a ton of 30 day late charges in the last couple years.


Sooo.. How do I get rid of it. Meaning how do I remove my name from his account? I haven't used that card in 4 years, and now I have all my own cards.

 

[DaVortex]

you wont be able to take that off your credit report since your name was also on it.

I used to work for a collection agency for Fleet Credit cards and if the there was a 2nd card holder they were just as obligated to pay as the primary card holder

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: DaVortex
you wont be able to take that off your credit report since your name was also on it.

I used to work for a collection agency for Fleet Credit cards and if the there was a 2nd card holder they were just as obligated to pay as the primary card holder

Hey Vortex, any way to get a judgement taken off your record? How about if it was b/c someone stole your identity?

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: DaVortex
you wont be able to take that off your credit report since your name was also on it.

I used to work for a collection agency for Fleet Credit cards and if the there was a 2nd card holder they were just as obligated to pay as the primary card holder

agreed. You need to make sure that account is either closed, or paid on time. Once the 30+'s stop showing up, your credit score will start improving. If creditors see a bad streak and then it ends they will assume you were just going through some bad times and may look over it. AFAIK you cant get that taken off your report, but you can make sure you dont have any more bad marks.

You may want to ask Rossman or someone who knows for sure though.

 

[patrick409]

Originally posted by: DaVortex
you wont be able to take that off your credit report since your name was also on it.

I used to work for a collection agency for Fleet Credit cards and if the there was a 2nd card holder they were just as obligated to pay as the primary card holder

doh.



I know that I cant remove the account from my credit report, but can I call up the credit card company and tell them to remove my authorized user privileges, so my dad becomes the sole user of that account? Will that account continue to be updated in future credit reports?

My question is: If i remove my name from dad's account, will my future credit reports (like, a year from now) continue to list what my dad did in the next year, even if i'm no longer a part of it?

THanks

 

[DaVortex]

im not quite sure about that but the best thing is to cancel that credit card, and have your father get a new credit card ONLY in his name.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: patrick409

Originally posted by: DaVortex
you wont be able to take that off your credit report since your name was also on it.

I used to work for a collection agency for Fleet Credit cards and if the there was a 2nd card holder they were just as obligated to pay as the primary card holder

doh.



I know that I cant remove the account from my credit report, but can I call up the credit card company and tell them to remove my authorized user privileges, so my dad becomes the sole user of that account? Will that account continue to be updated in future credit reports?

My question is: If i remove my name from dad's account, will my future credit reports (like, a year from now) continue to list what my dad did in the next year, even if i'm no longer a part of it?

THanks

I would definitely do two things:

1) Ask your father to write a simple letter to his creditors requesting that you be REMOVED as an "authorized user" on those accounts. It's important that it come from your father (the actual account holder) and that it's in writing.

2) Order copies of your credit reports from all 3 credit bureau's. Sure you are an "authorized user" but when the cc was decisioned they didn't have your name, SSN and employment info right? Dispute those derogs. Wait 2-3 months then order new credit reports to see if they have been removed.

 

[patrick409]

Originally posted by: RossMAN


I would definitely do two things:

1) Ask your father to write a simple letter to his creditors requesting that you be REMOVED as an "authorized user" on those accounts. It's important that it come from your father (the actual account holder) and that it's in writing.

2) Order copies of your credit reports from all 3 credit bureau's. Sure you are an "authorized user" but when the cc was decisioned they didn't have your name, SSN and employment info right? Dispute those derogs. Wait 2-3 months then order new credit reports to see if they have been removed.

Rossman, i dont remember if I gave my SSN when i put my name down on that cc. We applied back in 1999. Is there anyway to find out?

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: patrick409

Originally posted by: RossMAN


I would definitely do two things:

1) Ask your father to write a simple letter to his creditors requesting that you be REMOVED as an "authorized user" on those accounts. It's important that it come from your father (the actual account holder) and that it's in writing.

2) Order copies of your credit reports from all 3 credit bureau's. Sure you are an "authorized user" but when the cc was decisioned they didn't have your name, SSN and employment info right? Dispute those derogs. Wait 2-3 months then order new credit reports to see if they have been removed.

Rossman, i dont remember if I gave my SSN when i put my name down on that cc. We applied back in 1999. Is there anyway to find out?

Call the credit card company, press 0 until you get a live CSR, give them the complete account number and verify your identity.

Then ask them:
1) Am I an applicant for this account -or- only an authorized user?
2) Request a copy of the application be mailed to you, chances are they will not go for this but it's worth a try.

 

[patrick409]

Thanks for the advice everyone, especially Rossman, I will make some phone calls later tonight.