How to Track Your Credit Dispute

After sending a credit dispute, most people wait — and wonder. Here's how to stay on top of the process from submission to resolution.

The 30-Day Reinvestigation Clock

Under FCRA § 611, once a credit bureau receives your dispute, it must complete its investigation within 30 days (or 45 days if you provide additional information during the period). The bureau must:

1. Forward all relevant information to the furnisher (the creditor or lender)
2. Receive the furnisher's response
3. Send you written notification of the results
4. Provide a free updated credit report if a change was made

How to Check Your Dispute Status

Each bureau has an online dispute tracking portal:

• Equifax: equifax.com → "My Account" → "Dispute Center"
• Experian: experian.com/disputes → sign in with your dispute confirmation number
• TransUnion: transunion.com → "Credit Disputes" → track with your dispute ID

If you filed by mail, call the bureau's dispute line with your case number (on the confirmation letter) to get a status update.

Possible Outcomes

• Item updated — the bureau corrected the information
• Item deleted — the furnisher couldn't verify the item and it was removed
• Verified as accurate — the furnisher confirmed the item; it stays

If the Bureau Misses the 30-Day Deadline

This is a FCRA violation and gives you grounds for action:

1. File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint
2. File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
3. Consult a consumer rights attorney — FCRA violations can result in actual damages plus up to $1,000 in statutory damages

What If the Dispute Is Denied?

If the bureau says the item is "verified" but you still believe it's wrong:

• Dispute directly with the furnisher (the original creditor or lender) under FCRA § 623
• Add a 100-word consumer statement to your file explaining the dispute
• Escalate to a CFPB complaint, which often prompts re-investigation
• Consult a FCRA attorney if the item is causing real financial harm

Use our Dispute Deadline Tracker to monitor your 30-day window, or see the full dispute guide.