My credit score dropped 40 points because of a $12 library fine

I was checking my report last week, ready to apply for a car loan, and saw a collection account I didn't recognize. Turns out it was for an overdue book from the Seattle Public Library system from three years ago. I moved and never got the final notice. The library sent the $12 debt to a collection agency, and that agency reported it. I had no idea something that small and unrelated to credit could tank my score like that. I paid it immediately, but the damage was done. I always thought only credit cards and loans mattered for your score. Has anyone else been blindsided by a tiny, random bill going to collections?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade321mo ago

Totally feel you. My score tanked over a $30 parking ticket from a city I hadn't lived in for years. It's wild what they'll send to collections.

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umaprice1mo ago

That kind of stuff makes you feel like you have no control. I mean, a tiny old bill can just pop up and wreck your whole score out of nowhere. It's enough to make you want to check your report every single day.