Charge-Offs on Your Credit Report: Can They Be Deleted?
- Strike Force Agency LLC
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
A charge-off is like a scarlet letter on your credit report. It screams “this person stopped paying.” Lenders hate it, your score tanks, and it feels permanent. But here’s the truth: charge-offs can be challenged, and in many cases, they can be removed.
At Strike Force Agency LLC, we don’t just patch over charge-offs—we attack them strategically.
What Exactly Is a Charge-Off?
Happens after ~180 days of missed payments.
Creditor writes the debt off as a loss in their books.
Still legally owed (not forgiven).
Shows up as “CO” on your payment history.
👉 It’s not just an accounting move. It’s a red flag to every future lender.
How a Charge-Off Impacts Your Credit
Score Drop: Often 80–120 points depending on your profile.
Lender Red Flag: Makes approvals for mortgages, cars, and business funding harder.
Double Damage: If sold to collections, you get both a charge-off and a collection account.
It’s the equivalent of being knocked down twice in the same fight.
Can You Pay a Charge-Off to Improve Credit?
Short answer: not really.
Paying in full → account still reads “Paid Charge-Off.” Negative.
Settling for less → “Settled Charge-Off.” Still negative.
Waiting 7 years → wasted time and lost opportunities.
Payment ≠ deletion. Strategy = deletion.
Grounds for Removal Under the Law
Charge-offs are often reported incorrectly. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), every detail must be accurate and verifiable. Common errors Strike Force finds:
Re-aging of accounts to extend reporting.
Missing payment history.
Inaccurate balances.
Reporting after account transfer or sale.
Each error is leverage to demand correction—or removal.
Strike Force’s Approach to Charge-Offs
We don’t just dispute. We build cases:
Forensic audit of your credit file.
Dispute violations with bureaus.
Demand validation from original creditor.
Escalate with arbitration or complaints if ignored.
💡 The goal isn’t just “fixing a charge-off.” It’s rebuilding your entire credit profile so you’re funding-ready.
The Bottom Line
Charge-offs aren’t the end. They’re just another obstacle—and obstacles are meant to be crushed.
At Strike Force Agency LLC, we use legal leverage and strategy to turn “Permanent Negative” into “Deleted.”
Start your own Credit Repair Journey with our Free Dispute Starter Kit.
removal.
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