Credit report dispute

Credit report errors are far more common than most consumers realize. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), approximately 1 in 5 consumers has an error on at least one of their credit reports.

53 steps across 12 sections

1. Document the Errors

  • Note the bureau(s) where it appears
  • Write down the account name, account number, and the specific incorrect information
  • Gather supporting documents (bank statements, payment receipts, court records, correspondence, identity documents)
  • Make copies of all supporting documents — never send originals

2. Choose Your Dispute Path

  • Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute or (866) 349-5191
  • Experian: experian.com/disputes/main.html or (888) 397-3742
  • TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit or (800) 916-8800
  • Online: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
  • Phone: (855) 411-CFPB (2372)

3. Submit Your Dispute

  • Your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
  • Your current address (and previous address if you moved recently)
  • Clear identification of each disputed item (account name, number, specific error)
  • An explanation of why the information is wrong
  • A specific request for what you want (deletion, correction, etc.)
  • Copies (not originals) of supporting documents

4. Track and Follow Up

  • If mailing, use certified mail with return receipt requested
  • Keep a dispute log with dates, bureau names, confirmation numbers, and results
  • The bureau must respond within 30-45 days (see timeline section below)
  • After investigation, the bureau must notify you of results within 5 business days

5. Verify the Correction

  • Request an updated copy of your credit report (free after a dispute)
  • Confirm all disputed items have been corrected
  • If the error appeared on multiple bureau reports, verify each one was corrected
  • Request that corrected reports be sent to anyone who pulled your report in the last 6 months (2 years for employment purposes)

6. How to Access

  • Online: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com (fastest method)
  • Phone: Call 1-877-322-8228
  • Mail: Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

7. Important Notes

  • You can check all three bureaus at once or stagger them throughout the year for ongoing monitoring
  • The free weekly access (originally expanded during COVID-19) has been made permanent
  • Additional free reports are available if you have been denied credit, are unemployed, receive public assistance, or suspect fraud
  • Do NOT use other websites claiming to offer free reports — many are marketing traps for paid services

8. Personal Information Errors

  • Incorrect name, misspellings, or wrong suffix (Jr., Sr.)
  • Wrong Social Security number
  • Incorrect address or phone number
  • Wrong date of birth
  • Mixed files (another person's information merged with yours, common with similar names)

9. Account Status Errors

  • Closed accounts reported as open
  • Accounts incorrectly reported as late or delinquent
  • Incorrect date of last payment or date opened
  • Wrong account balance or credit limit
  • Same debt listed multiple times (especially common with collections that are sold)
  • Accounts you do not recognize (possible identity theft or mixed file)

10. Data Management Errors

  • Accounts belonging to a similarly named person (mixed file)
  • Accounts from an ex-spouse that should not appear on your report
  • Incorrect account numbers
  • Authorized user accounts incorrectly listed as primary holder
  • Negative information that should have aged off (most negative items must be removed after 7 years; bankruptcies after 7-10 years)

11. Collection and Public Record Errors

  • Paid collections still showing as unpaid
  • Discharged bankruptcy debts still showing balances
  • Incorrect public record information
  • Duplicate collection entries for the same original debt

12. Investigation Timeline

  • 30-day investigation requirement: Credit bureaus must complete their investigation within 30 days of receiving your dispute
  • 45-day extension: The timeline extends to 45 days if (a) you filed your dispute after receiving your free annual report, or (b) you submit additional relevant information during the 30-day investigation period
  • 5-day notification: After completing the investigation, the bureau must notify you of the results within 5 business days

Common Mistakes

  • Disputing online for serious errors:
  • Not disputing with all relevant bureaus:
  • Sending originals instead of copies:
  • Being vague in your dispute:
  • Not keeping records:

Pro Tips

  • Stagger your free reports:
  • Freeze your credit for free:
  • Use the "method of verification" request:
  • Dispute one or two items at a time:
  • Include a police report for identity theft:

Sources

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