Complete Guide

How to Dispute Credit Report Errors

Under the FCRA, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information. Credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days.

30 Days
Investigation Required
FREE
Disputes Cost Nothing
70%
Errors Found
Credit Bureau Contact Information
BureauAddressPhone
EquifaxP.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-02561-800-685-1111
ExperianP.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 750131-888-397-3742
TransUnionP.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-20001-800-916-8800

Dispute Process

1

Get Your Free Credit Reports

Download all three reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. It's completely free once per week.

2

Review for Errors

Look for accounts you don't recognize, incorrect balances, wrong payment status, duplicate accounts, or outdated information (over 7 years old).

3

Gather Supporting Documents

Collect proof: payment receipts, court documents, identity theft reports, or any evidence supporting your dispute.

4

Submit Dispute to Bureau

Send dispute letter via certified mail or submit online. Include copies of supporting documents. Keep originals.

5

Wait for Investigation

Bureaus have 30 days to investigate (45 days if you provide additional info). They must forward your dispute to the furnisher.

6

Review Results

You'll receive written results. If corrected, get a free updated report. If not, you can add a statement or escalate.

Dispute Letter Templates

General Dispute Letter to Credit Bureaus
For inaccurate information on your credit report
Date: [Current Date] To: [Credit Bureau Name - Equifax/Experian/TransUnion] [Address] From: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] Re: Dispute of Inaccurate Information Social Security Number: XXX-XX-XXXX Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to dispute the following inaccurate information on my credit report. I have identified the following item(s) that are inaccurate: Item #1: Account Name: [Creditor Name] Account Number: [Account Number] Reason for Dispute: [Choose one or more] - Not my account / I did not open this account - Account paid but showing as unpaid - Incorrect balance shown - Incorrect payment history - Account should be deleted (7 years expired) - Duplicate account listing Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Section 611, you are required to: 1. Investigate this dispute within 30 days 2. Forward my dispute to the furnisher of information 3. Provide me with written results 4. Delete any information found to be inaccurate or unverifiable Enclosed are copies of supporting documents. Please investigate and correct this information. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Phone Number] Enclosures: [List documents]
Important Notes

• Don't dispute everything - Focus on actual errors. Frivolous disputes may be ignored.

• Certified mail - Always use certified mail with return receipt for paper disputes.

• Keep copies - Keep copies of everything you send and receive.

• 40-day rule - If you provide additional information, they get 45 days total.

• Free updated report - If corrected, you get a free updated credit report.

Frequently Asked Questions