Why Your Credit Report Dates Matter More Than You Realize

Most people focus on the big items on their credit report: balances, late payments, or collections. But the dates attached to each account are just as important, and overlooking them can create confusion or even lower your score.

The Key Dates on Your Credit Report

1. Date Opened
   Shows how long the account has been active. Older accounts strengthen your credit history length.
2. Date of Last Activity (DLA)
   Reflects the last time you made a payment or the account had activity. Lenders look at this to see how recently you’ve used credit.
3. Date of Last Payment
   This confirms when your last payment was posted. If this looks incorrect, it could make you look late when you’re not.
4. Date of First Delinquency (DOFD)
   This is the big one. It marks when an account first went delinquent, and it starts the clock on how long negative information can stay on your report (usually 7 years).

Why These Dates Matter

• Aging Off Negative Accounts: Old late payments and collections don’t stay forever, but the DOFD controls when they fall off.
• Score Impact: Older accounts help your score, while new ones lower your average age of credit.
• Error Catching: Incorrect dates can make an account look newer, later, or more harmful than it really is.

Common Errors to Watch For

• A collection that shows a newer DOFD than it should (illegally “re-aging” the debt).
• An account showing “opened” later than it really was.
• Payments listed as missed when you actually paid on time.

Even small date errors can extend the life of negative accounts or lower your average account age.

What You Can Do

1. Pull All Three Reports — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion sometimes show different dates.
2. Check Every Account Carefully — Make sure dates align with your records.
3. Dispute Inaccuracies — If dates are wrong, file a dispute with the bureau.
4. Keep Good Records — Hold onto statements and proof of payments in case you need to challenge an error.

Final Thoughts

The numbers on your credit report tell one story, but the dates tell another. By paying attention to them, you can catch errors, stop re-aged debts, and make sure your credit history reflects reality.

At CreditNerds.com, we help clients not just fix the obvious problems on their credit, but also spot the subtle details (like date errors) that can make a huge difference. Schedule your free consultation today.