How to Get a Private Note on Your Credit Report

A simple phone call or letter sent by standard mail is all that's needed to add a private note to your credit report. You can add most anything relevant, including an explanation of why you have fallen behind on paying your bills. Your note will be available to anyone who pulls your credit report. Statements mailed to the three major credit bureaus are generally added to credit reports within five business days. Statements dictated to a representative on the phone can be added immediately once your identity is confirmed.

Instructions

1

Write your private note. It can be up to 200 words if you are a resident of Maine, and up to 100 words for all other states, according to the credit bureaus.

2

Mail your note to the credit reporting bureau of your choice, or all three. Or call TransUnion or Equifax to dictate your statement over the telephone. To speak to a representative with Experian, you must first purchase a copy of your credit report directly from Experian by phone, mail or through the website. Then you can call to add a statement using the reference number on your report.

3

To contact TransUnion, write or call:

TransUnion Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000
800-916-8800

4

To contact Equifax, write or call:

Equifax Consumer Services
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
800-846-5279

5

To contact Experian, write or call:

Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX, 75013.
1-888-397-3742

6

Wait about 10 days for your private note after mailing or calling. Then pull your credit report to confirm the note was placed on your file with the wording you intended. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report, from each of the three credit bureaus, once every 12 months. Go to the Annual Credit Reports website to order your free copies (see Resources).