Credit Report & Disputes
Learn how to read your credit report, identify errors, and file effective disputes to improve your credit score
Dispute Tracker
Complete Dispute Guides
Explore our comprehensive guides to master the credit dispute process
Understanding Your Credit Report
Learn how to read and interpret every section of your credit report
→Types of Disputable Errors
Identify common credit report errors and what you can dispute
→How the Dispute Process Works
Step-by-step guide to filing effective credit disputes
→Online vs Mail Disputes
Compare methods and choose the best approach for your situation
→Credit Bureau Contacts
Complete contact information for Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
→Reinvestigation Process
What happens during the 30-day credit dispute investigation
→Dispute Tracking Dashboard
Track your disputes and monitor progress through the investigation
→After Dispute Resolution
Understanding outcomes and your next steps after a dispute
→Understanding Your Credit Report
Your credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, compiled by three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Understanding how to read and interpret your credit report is the first step toward improving your credit score.
What's Included in Your Credit Report
- Personal information (name, address, social security number)
- Credit accounts and payment history
- Credit inquiries
- Public records (bankruptcies, tax liens, civil judgments)
- Collection accounts
Common Credit Report Errors
Studies show that up to 20% of credit reports contain errors that could negatively impact your credit score. Common errors include:
- Incorrect personal information
- Accounts that don't belong to you
- Duplicate accounts
- Incorrect account status
- Outdated negative information
- Incorrect payment history
The Dispute Process
If you find errors on your credit report, you have the right to dispute them under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Here's how the process works:
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Collect all relevant documents that support your dispute, including bank statements, payment records, and correspondence with creditors.
Step 2: File Your Dispute
You can dispute errors with the credit bureaus online, by mail, or by phone. We recommend using certified mail to create a paper trail.
Step 3: Investigation Period
The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate your dispute. They will contact the creditor to verify the information.
Step 4: Review Results
The credit bureau will notify you of the results. If the information is found to be inaccurate, it must be corrected or removed.
Why Professional Help Matters
While you can dispute errors on your own, professional credit repair services have the expertise and resources to:
- Identify all errors and inaccuracies on your report
- Draft legally compliant dispute letters
- Follow up with credit bureaus and creditors
- Handle complex disputes involving multiple parties
- Negotiate with creditors for pay-for-delete agreements