Disputing Credit Report Errors
How to identify mistakes, file disputes, and get inaccurate information removed.
Review All 3
Each bureau may have different errors.
Gather Proof
Documentation strengthens every dispute.
File Online or Mail
Each bureau has its own dispute portal.
Follow Up
Bureaus must respond within 30 days.
Common Errors to Look For
Accounts that aren't yours
Mixed files or identity theft can put someone else's debt on your report.
Incorrect balances or credit limits
Wrong amounts inflate your utilization ratio and lower your score.
Wrong dates (opened, closed, last active)
Incorrect dates can affect account age calculations or re-age old debts.
Duplicate entries
The same debt reported twice, often when sold to a new collector.
Where to File Disputes
Equifax
Online at equifax.com/personal/disputes or by mail to P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374.
Experian
Online at experian.com/disputes or by mail to P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013.
TransUnion
Online at transunion.com/credit-disputes or by mail to P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016.
File with each bureau individually
An error on one report may not appear on the others. Check and dispute separately.
Your Rights Under the FCRA
30-Day Rule
Bureaus must investigate within 30 days or remove the item
Corrected or Verified
After investigation, item is corrected, deleted, or verified as accurate
Consumer Statement
You can add a 100-word statement to your report explaining any item
Section 611
FCRA Section 611 guarantees your right to dispute any inaccurate information
01
Pull All Three Reports and Compare
Get your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Go line by line through every account. Mark anything that looks wrong: balances, dates, accounts you don't recognize, and duplicate entries.
02
Gather Supporting Documentation
Collect payment receipts, account statements, correspondence, or identity theft reports that prove the error. Strong documentation leads to faster resolution. Include copies, never originals.
03
File Disputes and Track Responses
Submit disputes through each bureau's online portal or by certified mail. The bureau has 30 days to investigate under the FCRA. If they can't verify the item, it must be removed. Follow up on every dispute until resolved.
Need Help?
Found errors on your credit report?
I can help you identify disputable items, draft effective dispute letters, and guide you through the process with each bureau.
Schedule Consultation30
days for bureaus to
investigate your dispute