How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
Quick Answer
Credit report errors are more common than most people realize. A 2021 study by the Consumer Reports found that 34 percent of participants found at least one error on their credit report. These errors can lower your credit score, affect your ability to get loans, and in some cases result from identity theft. Disputing them is free and is your legal right.
How to Get Your Free Credit Reports
Federal law entitles you to one free credit report from each of the three major bureaus every 12 months. Get all three at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only federally authorized source for free reports. Avoid sites that mimic this name and require payment or subscription.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the bureaus expanded free weekly access. Check the AnnualCreditReport.com site for the current availability of free reports.
What to Look for When Reviewing Your Report
Check each of the following sections on every report:
Personal information: Verify your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Errors here can cause your file to be mixed with someone else's.
Accounts: Confirm you recognize every account listed. Check account balances, payment history, credit limits, and open or closed status.
Negative items: Review any collections, late payments, charge-offs, or judgments. Verify that the dates are correct and that items that should have aged off (most stay for 7 years) are no longer appearing.
Hard inquiries: These appear when you have applied for credit. You should recognize every inquiry listed. Inquiries you did not authorize may indicate identity theft.
How to File a Dispute
You can dispute with the bureau online, by mail, or by phone. Mail is the most documented method but slowest. Online is fastest and still creates a written record.
Online:
| Agency | Website / How to File |
|---|---|
| Equifax | equifax.com/personal/disputes |
| Experian | experian.com/disputes |
| TransUnion | transunion.com/credit-disputes |
By mail: Send a letter clearly identifying the item you are disputing, explaining why it is incorrect, and including copies (not originals) of any supporting documents. Use certified mail with return receipt.
What to include in your dispute:
- Your full name and address
- The specific account name and number
- A clear description of the error and why it is wrong
- Copies of supporting documents (statements, payment records, correspondence)
- A statement of what correction you are requesting
Sample Dispute Letter
Template
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Bureau Name]
[Bureau Address]
Re: Dispute of Inaccurate Information
I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report:
Account: [Account Name, Account Number]
Error: [Describe what is wrong - for example, "This account shows a late payment in March 2024, but I paid on time. Enclosed is a copy of my bank statement confirming the payment."]
I am requesting that this item be [corrected / removed] from my credit file.
Enclosed: [List documents you are including]
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
What Happens After You File
The bureau must complete its investigation within 30 days (45 days if you provided additional information during the process). They will contact the creditor that reported the information and require verification.
Possible outcomes:
- The item is corrected or removed
- The item is verified as accurate and remains on your report
- The creditor does not respond in time and the item is removed by default
You will receive written notice of the outcome. If the dispute is upheld, the bureau must send a corrected copy of your report to anyone who pulled it in the past six months.
Disputing with the Creditor Directly
In addition to disputing with the bureau, dispute directly with the creditor or lender that reported the error. Send a letter explaining the error and requesting a correction. Creditors report to all three bureaus, so correcting the error at the source prevents it from reappearing.