It used to be the only way for a collection item to disappear from your credit report was to wait seven years from the date it was first reported. But, now you can do a little bit more.

If you want an item removed from your credit report, you can contact the collection agency and ask them. You would ask for a “pay for delete” deal, which means you agree to pay a certain amount in exchange for the item be removed from your credit report.

Not all collection agencies will do this, but some will. Another tactic is to require them to provide you with proof that the debt is in fact yours. If they fail to provide proof within 30 days, then the item would be removed.