How to File a Credit Report Dispute

Your credit report is very important because it can affect your ability to get low interest rates, loans and even a job. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from each of the major credit bureaus. If you find any errors on the report, such as accounts that do not belong to you, late payments you made on time or incorrect credit limits, you should dispute them with the credit bureau reporting the error. If more than one credit bureau reports the error, you should submit a dispute with each bureau. Unless the credit bureau deems your dispute frivolous, it must investigate your claim within a month.

Instructions

1

Determine which credit bureau or credit bureaus are reporting the error by checking your credit reports. Though your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus--Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion-will be very similar, they may have slight differences. You only need to file a dispute with the bureau or bureaus reporting the error.

2

Decide whether you want to dispute the error online or through the mail if you are filing a dispute with Equifax or TransUnion. Experian only accepts disputes online. Credit.com recommends that you file your dispute through the mail, if possible.

3

Gather the proof that supports your claim and make copies. This can include receipt of payment acknowledgments and checking account statements. For example, if you have a letter acknowledging that your loan was paid in full but your credit report shows it as delinquent, you would want to submit a copy as evidence to support your case. You should also make a copy of your credit report and identify the item or items you are disputing.

4

Submit your dispute online (see the resources section for dispute sites) or through the mail. The address for Equifax is P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241. The address for TransUnion is 2 Baldwin Place, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you send the letter through certified mail so that you can document the date the credit bureau receives your dispute.

5

Wait up to 30 days for the credit bureau to investigate your claim. The credit bureau will notify you of their finding and will provide a free copy of your credit report if your report has been changed as a result.