Dispute Credit Report Errors

Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus. You are entitled to one free report from each bureau once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Carefully review your credit reports for any inaccuracies or errors. Pay particular attention to your personal information, credit accounts, credit inquiries, and public records.

If you find errors, gather any documents that support your case. This could include bank statements, payment confirmations, court documents, or letters from creditors.

If the error is related to a specific account, you can start by contacting the creditor directly to resolve the issue. Keep a record of your conversations and any agreements.

File a formal dispute with the credit bureau(s) that are showing the errors. Make sure to provide your complete personal information, clearly identify each error, and include any supporting documentation.

After you file the dispute, track the progress of your claim. The credit bureau usually has 30 days to investigate and respond to your dispute.

Once the credit bureau responds, review the outcome of the investigation. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the error will be corrected. If not, you may need to provide additional information and continue corresponding.

If corrections are made, request a new copy of your credit report to ensure that all changes have been accurately reflected. Keep these updated documents for your records.

You have the right to dispute any errors, free of charge, at any time. However, frequent checks are advised to promptly catch and correct any errors.

Always keep copies of all correspondence, including emails and letters, as well as documentation about the disputed error(s). This will be crucial if there are any follow-up issues or if the error reappears on your report.

If the initial dispute process does not resolve the issue, you can escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or seek legal advice for further assistance.