How long does something stay on your credit report if you never pay it off ?

Don't listen to Keanve, it is 7 years whether it is sold to another debt collector or not. If you make a payment on it then that resets the clock but other wise it is 7 years from your first deliquent payment. You will often find that those collectors will try to collect on that debt even though it is off of your credit. you can send a cease and decist letter to them and they can't contact you any longer.