How does a potentially negative item affect your credit score?

The effects of negative credit items depend on the nature of the item (credit card, foreclosure, collection account) as well as the severity of the item (30 day delinquency vs. charge-off). Additionally, the presence of other accounts, both positive and negative, will adjust the impact that a single negative item has on your credit score. One final variable that also affects how a single negative item impacts your score is the overall length of your credit history.

A single negative item could cause your score to drop 3 points or 150. It really depends on each situation.