How to
There's a mistake on my credit report. How do I dispute it?
Key points
- Who
- Anyone whose credit report shows information they believe is wrong.
- How
- Dispute in writing with the credit reporting company, and with the company that supplied the information.
- Deadline
- The credit reporting company generally must investigate within 30 days of receiving your dispute.
- Official
- Free credit reports from each of the three nationwide companies, weekly, at AnnualCreditReport.com.
You don't need to pay anyone to fix an error on your credit report. Disputing is free, and the companies involved must investigate what you send them.
Start with the credit reporting company that shows the error: explain in writing what is wrong and why, with copies of documents that support you. You can also dispute directly with the company that supplied the information, such as a lender or a debt collector.
How to dispute an error, step by step
- Get your reports. You can check your report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies once a week for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Mark every error. Note each item that is wrong, with its account number.
- Write to the credit reporting company. Explain what is wrong and why, and include copies, not originals, of documents that support you.
- Write to the company that reported it, too. The lender, card issuer or collector that supplied the information can be disputed directly.
- Keep copies. Keep your letters, the documents you sent and proof of when you sent them.
What to put in your dispute letter
- Your full name, address and phone number.
- Each error you want fixed, including the account number.
- Why the information is wrong.
- What you want done: correct it or remove it.
- Copies (not originals) of documents that support your position.
How long does a credit report dispute take?
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| The credit reporting company investigates your dispute | Generally 30 days from receiving it |
| If you dispute after getting your free annual report | 45 days |
| If you send more relevant information during the 30 days | Up to 15 more days |
| The credit reporting company tells you the results | Within 5 business days after it finishes |
| The company that supplied the information investigates a dispute sent to it | Generally 30 days |
What happens after the investigation
If the investigation shows the information was wrong, the company that supplied it must update or remove it and notify all the credit reporting companies, which must then update your reports.
Can I handle this on my own, or do I need a lawyer?
Most people dispute errors on their own, for free. If the companies don't fix a clear error, or the error is costing you a loan, a home or a job, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or talk to a consumer lawyer or a legal aid office.
Common questions
Does it cost money to dispute a credit report error?
No. Disputing an error with a credit reporting company or with the company that supplied the information is free.
How long does a credit report dispute take?
A credit reporting company generally must investigate within 30 days of receiving your dispute, and tell you the results within 5 business days after it finishes.
How often can I get my credit report for free?
You can check your report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies once a week for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Official sources
- CFPB: How do I dispute an error on my credit report? consumerfinance.gov
- CFPB: How long does it take to repair an error on a credit report? consumerfinance.gov
- CFPB: How do I get a free copy of my credit reports? consumerfinance.gov
- FTC: Disputing errors on your credit reports ftc.gov
- FTC: Free credit reports ftc.gov
Related
This page explains the law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your situation. Justice is not a law firm and is not affiliated with any court or government agency.