How to Dispute a Credit Report Error

Disputing a credit report error is free, legally protected, and can significantly improve your score if done correctly. This is the full process from start to finish.

Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports

Pull free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally mandated free report source. Download or print all three. The same error may appear at one bureau, two, or all three — you'll need to dispute with each bureau where it appears.

Step 2: Identify the Error

Review each report carefully. Common errors include:

• Accounts you didn't open (possible identity theft)
• Wrong balances or credit limits
• Late payments you made on time
• Duplicate accounts (same debt appearing twice)
• Re-aged collection dates (delinquency date newer than the original)
• Accounts showing "open" that you closed

Circle the item and note the account name, account number, and what specifically is wrong.

Step 3: Gather Documentation

The stronger your evidence, the faster the dispute resolves. Collect:

• Bank statements or payment confirmations showing on-time payments
• A letter from the creditor confirming payment or account closure
• The original account agreement showing your correct credit limit
• An FTC Identity Theft Report (for accounts that aren't yours)

Step 4: File the Dispute

You can dispute online (faster, 10–15 days) or by certified mail (slower, but creates a paper trail). For significant disputes, use certified mail with return receipt — it proves the 30-day clock started and preserves your legal options.

Bureau dispute addresses:

• Equifax: P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
• Experian: P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
• TransUnion: P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000

Step 5: Wait for the Reinvestigation

The bureau has 30 days to complete its investigation (45 days if you provide additional information during the window). It forwards your dispute to the furnisher (the creditor or lender that reported the data), who must verify or correct the item.

Step 6: Review the Results

You'll receive written results by mail. Possible outcomes:

• Item corrected or deleted: The bureau updated or removed the item. You also receive a free updated report.
• Verified as accurate: The furnisher confirmed the item. It stays.

If verified but you still believe it's wrong, your next steps are to dispute directly with the furnisher (FCRA § 623), file a CFPB complaint, or consult an FCRA attorney.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Disputing accurate negative information (it will be re-verified; mass disputes of accurate items can be flagged as frivolous)
• Paying a credit repair company to do this (everything they do, you can do for free)
• Not keeping copies of everything you send
• Missing the follow-up if the dispute is denied

Use our Dispute Letter Generator to create a formatted letter in 60 seconds, or our Deadline Tracker to monitor your 30-day window.