Disputing Errors on Your Credit Report: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Visit AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized source for free credit reports — and request your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. All three bureaus may have different data, so an error on one report may not appear on the others.

Download or print each report and review them carefully. Errors you may encounter include: accounts that don't belong to you, incorrect payment history, duplicate accounts, outdated personal information, or accounts listed as open when they've been closed.

Before filing anything, clearly define what is wrong and why. Vague disputes — such as "I don't recognize this account" — are less effective than specific, evidence-supported claims. Note the account name, account number, the nature of the error, and what the correct information should be.

Gather any documents that support your position: payment confirmations, bank statements, a letter from the creditor, identity theft reports if applicable, or a court discharge notice for a bankruptcy item. The stronger your documentation, the easier the bureau's investigation becomes.

Each major bureau accepts disputes through three channels: online portals, phone, and written mail. Written disputes generally create the most durable paper trail, especially if you anticipate needing to escalate.

Your dispute letter or form should include: your full name and address, a clear description of the item in dispute, the reason it is inaccurate, the correction you're requesting, and copies (never originals) of your supporting documents. Include your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number so the bureau can locate your file.

Submit separately to each bureau that shows the error — they do not share dispute filings with each other automatically.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), bureaus are generally required to complete their investigation within 30 days of receiving your dispute (45 days in certain circumstances). During this time, the bureau contacts the creditor or lender that reported the information — known as the furnisher — to verify the data.

Keep a log: note the date you submitted, the method used, any confirmation number or tracking information, and the expected response deadline. If you submitted by certified mail, your Return Receipt postcard confirms the delivery date.

The bureau must send you written results of its investigation. If the error was corrected or removed, request an updated copy of your report to confirm the change. If the investigation upheld the existing information — meaning the furnisher verified it as accurate — the item stays on your report.

You still have options. You can request that the bureau add a 100-word consumer statement to your file explaining your position. You can also contact the furnisher directly to dispute the data at the source, which sometimes produces a different outcome.

If you believe the bureau or furnisher has not complied with FCRA requirements, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. You may also file with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In cases involving willful noncompliance, consumers may have the right to seek damages in federal court — consulting an attorney who specializes in consumer law is advisable before taking that step.

Before applying for a mortgage, auto loan, or other major credit product, clearing up errors first can meaningfully affect the terms you're offered. See our pre-application credit checklist for a broader view of what to address before you apply.