How Do You Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report?

Short answer: To dispute an error on your credit report, write to the credit bureau that shows the mistake and to the company that reported it. Explain what's wrong, include copies of documents that support your case, and ask for the item to be corrected or removed. The bureau generally has 30 days to investigate and must send you the results in writing.

How Do You Find Errors on Your Credit Report?

Start by getting your reports. The three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, let you check your report from each for free once a week at AnnualCreditReport.com, according to the FTC.

Be careful with look-alike sites. The FTC warns that some websites pretend to be connected with AnnualCreditReport.com or advertise free reports, scores or monitoring. AnnualCreditReport.com won't email you asking for your Social Security number or account information.

When you read your reports, look for:

• Accounts you don't recognize
• Personal information that's wrong, such as your name or address
• Accounts reported as late or unpaid when you paid on time
• The same debt listed more than once
• Closed accounts shown as open

How Do You Dispute an Error With the Credit Bureau?

Contact each bureau that shows the error. The bureaus accept disputes online, by phone or by mail. If you write, the CFPB recommends including:

1. Your full name and contact information
2. Your report's confirmation number, if you have one
3. Each item you're disputing, with its account number
4. What's wrong and why
5. A request to correct or remove the item
6. Copies, not originals, of documents that support your dispute

You can send a letter by certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Keep copies of everything you send.

How Do You Dispute With the Company That Reported It?

You can also dispute directly with the furnisher, which is the lender, card issuer or collection agency that supplied the information. The CFPB suggests sending these disputes in writing by certified mail.

Furnishers generally must investigate and respond within 30 days of receiving your dispute. If they find the information is wrong or can't be verified, they must correct or delete it and tell the credit bureaus to update your reports.

What Happens After You File a Dispute?

Step	What to expect
Investigation	The bureau generally has 30 days to investigate
Forwarding	The bureau sends your dispute and documents to the company that supplied the information
Results	The bureau must give you the results in writing
If corrected	You get a free copy of your report, which doesn't count as your free annual report

If a bureau decides your dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, it must send you a notice explaining that decision.

What If Your Dispute Doesn't Fix the Problem?

If the investigation doesn't resolve your dispute, you still have options:

• Add a statement. Ask the bureau to include a statement of the dispute in your file and in future reports.
• Notify recent recipients. You can ask the bureau to send your statement to anyone who recently received your report. A fee may apply.
• File a complaint. Submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Should You Pay a Credit Repair Company?

You don't need to. Disputing errors is free, and you can do every step in this guide yourself. No company can legally remove accurate, timely negative information from your credit report. If a company promises to erase legitimate debts or late payments, treat that as a red flag.

The Bottom Line

Fixing a credit report error takes a little paperwork but no money. Pull your free reports, dispute each mistake in writing with the bureau and the company that reported it, keep copies of everything, and follow up if the result isn't right. Learn more in our credit and debt guides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a credit report dispute take?

The credit bureau generally has 30 days to investigate your dispute, and it must send you the results in writing. Companies that supplied the information generally must investigate and respond within 30 days of receiving a dispute.

Does disputing a credit report error cost money?

No. You can dispute errors directly with the credit bureaus and the companies that report information, at no cost.

Should I dispute online or by mail?

The credit bureaus accept disputes online, by phone and by mail. The CFPB suggests writing to companies that supply information using certified mail, and keeping copies of everything you send.

What if the credit bureau says the information is correct?

You can ask the bureau to include a statement of the dispute in your file and in future reports. You can also submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Can a credit repair company remove negative items from my report?

No one can legally remove accurate and timely negative information. Anything a credit repair company can do to dispute real errors, you can do yourself for free.

Sources

1. CFPB: How do I dispute an error on my credit report?
2. FTC: Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports
3. FTC: Free Credit Reports

This guide is general information, not personal advice. Your situation may differ, so consider talking with a qualified professional, such as a fiduciary financial adviser, CPA or licensed agent, before making a decision.