How to Dispute Credit Report Errors

Errors on your credit report are more common than you think. About 1 in 5 Americans have an error on at least one report. Fixing those errors can raise your score fast.

Common Credit Report Errors

• Wrong name, address, or Social Security number
• Accounts that are not yours
• Late payments that were actually on time
• Paid accounts still showing as open or delinquent
• Duplicate accounts
• Wrong credit limits or balances
• Accounts that should have aged off

Step-by-Step Dispute Process

Step 1: Get Your Free Credit Reports

Visit AnnualCreditReport.com and request reports from all three bureaus. You get one free report from each bureau every year.

Step 2: Review Every Line

Check personal information, all open and closed accounts, payment history, collections, public records, and hard inquiries.

Step 3: Collect Evidence

Gather documents that prove the error: bank statements, payment confirmations, court documents, identity theft reports.

Step 4: File the Dispute

Online (fastest):

• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute
• Experian: experian.com/disputes/main.html
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit

By mail: Send a dispute letter with your name, address, the error and why it is wrong, copies of supporting documents, and a copy of your credit report with the error highlighted.

Step 5: Wait for Results

Bureaus must investigate within 30 days. They will contact the creditor or collector, review the evidence, update or remove the item, and send you the results.

Step 6: Check Your Updated Report

After the dispute, request a new copy to confirm the fix.

What If the Bureau Does Not Fix It?

• Re-dispute with more evidence
• File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint
• Consult a consumer attorney if the error is costing you money

FAQ