How Long Does Debt Collection Stay on Your Credit Report? A B2B Perspective

The question "how long does debt collection stay on your credit report" typically refers to consumer credit reporting — personal credit scores, credit bureaus, and the 7-year reporting window familiar from US consumer law. For B2B commercial debts in Spain, the framework is different, but the reputational consequences for debtors are real and sometimes more immediate.

Consumer Credit Reporting: The 7-Year Rule

In the US, collection accounts appear on personal credit reports for 7 years from the date of first delinquency (under the Fair Credit Reporting Act). This applies to consumer debts — credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, utility accounts. After 7 years, the entry is automatically removed regardless of whether the debt was paid.

This rule doesn't directly apply to Spanish commercial debts between businesses. But many searches on this topic come from business owners wondering about the broader implications of debt collection on their company's profile — so here's how it works in the B2B commercial context.

Commercial Debtor Registries in Spain

Spain doesn't use "credit reports" for businesses in the same way the US uses consumer credit reports. Instead, commercial payment behaviour is tracked through several systems:

ASNEF (Equifax Spain). The most widely used debtor registry in Spain. Both consumer and commercial debts can be registered. For commercial debts, registration is possible when the debt is documented, undisputed, enforceable, and overdue. Listing on ASNEF affects the debtor's ability to obtain credit, trade finance, and insurance. Removal occurs when the debt is paid or when 6 years have elapsed (under data protection provisions).

RAI (Registro de Aceptaciones Impagadas). Managed by the Bank of Spain. Specifically covers unpaid accepted bills of exchange (letras de cambio) and promissory notes (pagarés). RAI listing is visible to banks and financial institutions and directly affects the debtor's banking relationships. Listed debts remain until paid.

Registro Mercantil (Commercial Registry). Not a debtor registry per se, but filed accounts, court judgments, and insolvency proceedings are publicly available. A creditor (or their collection agency) checking a debtor's Registro Mercantil entry can see filed financial statements, registered charges, and any concurso de acreedores (insolvency) filings.

Informa D&B and Axesor. Commercial credit reporting agencies that aggregate data from registries, filed accounts, court records, and payment behaviour databases. These reports provide credit scores and payment behaviour summaries for Spanish businesses. Negative payment data can persist for several years.

How Long Commercial Debt Information Persists

ASNEF listings: removed on payment, or after 6 years under RGPD/LOPDGDD data protection provisions (whichever comes first). RAI listings: removed only on payment. Registro Mercantil: court judgments and insolvency records are permanently public. Informa D&B / Axesor: negative data retained for up to 6 years, though the weighting diminishes over time.

The practical impact: a Spanish company listed on ASNEF or RAI faces immediate commercial consequences. Banks restrict credit facilities. Trade finance becomes difficult. Insurance terms worsen. Suppliers check these registries before extending terms. The reputational damage from registry listing can exceed the debt amount itself — which is why the threat (or execution) of registry reporting is a legitimate and effective collection tool.

Why This Matters for Creditors

As a creditor, understanding debtor registry dynamics helps you in two ways:

Pre-collection assessment. Before pursuing a debt, check whether the debtor is already listed on ASNEF or RAI. Multiple existing listings suggest broader financial difficulties — useful intelligence for deciding whether to invest in legal proceedings or accept a settlement.

Collection leverage. For debtors not already listed, the prospect of ASNEF or RAI registration is a significant incentive to resolve the debt. A competent collection agency uses this constructively in negotiations, making clear that continued non-payment will have consequences beyond the specific debt.

FAQ

Can I register my debtor on ASNEF or RAI directly?

ASNEF: yes, if you have a legitimate, documented, undisputed, enforceable debt. Your collection agency or attorney can handle the registration process. RAI: only covers unpaid bills of exchange and promissory notes, so registration requires a qualifying instrument. Your Spanish legal team can advise on eligibility.

Does paying the debt remove it from the registry immediately?

ASNEF: the creditor must request removal within 10 days of payment. If the creditor (or their agent) fails to request removal promptly, the debtor can file a complaint with the data protection authority. RAI: removal occurs when the bank confirms payment. In practice, removal takes 1–4 weeks after payment confirmation.