Final answer:
A hit on your credit score will stay on your credit report for seven years.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you take a hit on your credit score, it will stay on your credit report for seven years.
This means that any negative information, such as late payments or defaults, will be visible to lenders for that period of time.
During this time, it may be more difficult to get approved for loans or credit cards, or you may be offered higher interest rates.