How to dispute an error on your credit report

You can dispute for free

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute information on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. You can do this directly with each credit bureau at no cost, online, by phone, or by mail.

Step 1: Get your reports and find the item

You can get your reports from the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through AnnualCreditReport.com. Read each report carefully. Items can differ between bureaus, so check all three.

Write down each item you believe is wrong, with the creditor name, account type, amount, and dates as shown on the report.

Step 2: Explain what is wrong

Be specific. “This balance is wrong,” “these dates are wrong,” or “this is not my account” gives the bureau something to investigate. Only dispute information you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable.

Gather anything that supports you, such as statements or payment records, and send copies, never originals.

Step 3: Send your dispute and keep records

If you mail a letter, certified mail with a return receipt gives you proof of when it arrived. Keep a copy of everything you send, along with dates.

What happens next

The bureau generally has 30 days to investigate (45 days in some cases) and must send you the results. If information is found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or cannot be verified, it must be corrected or removed. Accurate information can stay on your report.

If the dispute does not resolve the problem, you can ask that a short statement of dispute be added to your file, and you can also dispute directly with the company that reported the information.