How to Add an Explanation to a Credit Report

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to report any discrepancies on your credit report by submitting a letter of explanation to each of the credit bureaus. While doing so won't improve your credit score, it will give you peace of mind.

Instructions

1

Request a free credit report for each of the three credit bureaus at Annual Credit Report online, by phone (1-800-322-8228) or by mail. Review and take note of any discrepancies.

2

Visit the website of the credit bureau that is reporting the discrepancy. If all three bureaus have the information that you would like to dispute or add an explanation to, you will need to contact all three.

3

Visit the credit bureau's website (see References) and elect to dispute the discrepancy online (using the report number at the top of your credit report), by mail or by phone. Each bureau has detailed instructions on how to file your dispute online. After you have submitted the dispute, the bureau will begin an investigation.

4

If the credit bureau determines that the dispute is valid, take no further action. It will remove the discrepancy from your file. If it verifies that the dispute is not valid, prepare to submit an explanation.

5

Write your explanation in 100 words or less and mail it to the appropriate credit bureau. Include a reason for the discrepancy (was laid off, didn't understand responsibility, first credit card), and reasons why you are now creditworthy (new job, more responsible). Be sure to claim ownership for the discrepancy. For Equifax, mail your explanation to Equifax Information Services, LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374. For TransUnion, mail to TransUnion Consumer Solutions at P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000. For Experian, mail to Experian, PO Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

6

Verify that your explanation has been accepted and attached to your credit report.