How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
It’s your right to challenge any errors you find on your credit report. Correcting these mistakes usually requires contacting both the credit reporting agency and the company that initially provided incorrect information.
Steps to Dispute a Credit Report Error
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Contact the Credit Reporting Company (CRAs)
If you find an error, start by disputing it with the credit reporting company. The major companies are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You’ll need to submit your dispute in writing, clearly explaining what you believe is wrong, why it’s incorrect, and including supporting documentation.
You can use the following guidelines to prepare your dispute letter:
- Your contact information: Include your full name, address, and phone number.
- Credit report confirmation number: If available, include this number.
- Identify each error: Clearly state which items you’re disputing and the associated account numbers.
- Explain your reasoning: Provide a clear explanation of why you believe the information is incorrect.
- Request action: Ask for the information to be removed or corrected.
- Include supporting documentation: Include a copy of the relevant portion of your credit report with the disputed items circled or highlighted, along with copies (not originals) of any supporting documents. If mailing the dispute, sending it via certified mail with a return receipt is recommended to confirm receipt.
Contact Information for Major CRAs:
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Equifax
- Online: www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/
- Phone or Mail: The phone number is listed on your credit report; you can also call (866) 349-5191. For the mailing address, visit www.equifax.com/personal/contact-us/.
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Experian
- Online or Mail: Dispute online at www.experian.com/disputes/main.html or get instructions for mail disputes.
- Phone: The phone number is listed on your credit report; you can also call (888) 397-3742.
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TransUnion
- Online: dispute.transunion.com
- Mail or Phone: Get mail or phone dispute instructions at www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit/mail-or-phone, or call (800) 916-8800 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET) to file your dispute over the phone.
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Important: Keep copies of your dispute letter and all supporting documents.
The credit reporting company must investigate your dispute, forward the dispute information to the company that provided the original information, and then report the results back to you. However, a CRA isn’t required to investigate disputes that are considered frivolous or irrelevant (e.g., those lacking sufficient information that are unable to be investigated). Within five business days of making this determination, the CRA must send you a notice explaining why it considers the dispute frivolous.
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Contact the Company That Furnished the Information
The information on your credit report comes from companies known as “furnishers,” such as your bank, landlord, or credit card company. To dispute information these furnishers provided, send a written dispute via certified mail, using a guideline letter. Address it to either the address on your consumer report or any address specified by the furnisher for credit reporting disputes. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, furnishers generally must investigate and respond to your dispute within 30 days of receipt.
Submit a Complaint if Needed
If you encounter continuing problems with your credit report, you can submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
