Your FCRA Rights
How the Fair Credit Reporting Act protects you and what you can do when credit bureaus get it wrong.
Access Reports
One free report per year from each bureau.
Dispute Errors
Bureaus must investigate within 30 days.
Consent Required
Employers need written permission for checks.
Time Limits
Negative items must be removed after 7-10 years.
The Law
Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681)
Enacted in 1970 to promote accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information in credit bureau files.
FACTA Amendment (2003)
Added the right to one free credit report per year from each of the three major bureaus via AnnualCreditReport.com.
Right to Know Who Accessed Your Report
You can view all hard and soft inquiries made on your report, and creditors must have permissible purpose.
Employer Credit Checks
Employers must obtain your written consent before pulling your credit report, and provide a copy if they take adverse action.
Your Remedies
Dispute Inaccurate Information
File disputes online, by mail, or by phone. Bureaus must investigate within 30 days and correct or remove unverifiable data.
Outdated Negative Information
Most negative items must be removed after 7 years. Chapter 7 bankruptcies remain for 10 years. Paid tax liens: 7 years.
Right to Sue for Violations
You can recover actual damages or $100 to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus attorney fees and court costs.
File a CFPB Complaint
Submit complaints at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB will forward to the bureau and track their response within 15 days.
01
Pull Your Free Reports
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Review each report carefully for accounts you don't recognize, incorrect balances, or outdated information.
02
File Disputes for Errors
Send written disputes to each bureau via certified mail. Include copies of supporting documents. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and notify you of the results. If unverifiable, the item must be removed.
03
Escalate If Necessary
If the bureau doesn't correct the error, file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov or the FTC at ftc.gov. You may also consult a consumer rights attorney about suing under 15 U.S.C. § 1681n for willful violations.
Sources: 15 U.S.C. § 1681 (Fair Credit Reporting Act) • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
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