How to Remove Derogatory Credit Remarks From a Credit Rating

Removing derogatory remarks from your credit rating will help your credit score improve, and will help your chances at obtaining any type of financing, an apartment or even a job. So many aspects of life in today's society depends upon one's credit rating. The three major credit bureaus--Experian, TransUnion and Equifax--all assign you a unique credit rating depending on your credit history. By taking the time to remove derogatory remarks from your credit report, you will be in much better financial shape.

Instructions

1

Obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the major credit bureaus. Each report will be unique and will require you to analyze each one separately. You can order your credit report directly from each bureau, or once a year you can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each bureau at Annualcreditreport.com.

2

Highlight any false derogatory credit remarks from your credit report. You will need the name of the account, account number, and date history in order to dispute the items. Derogatory remarks are any items that state you are in collections, charge-off, foreclosure, or even any items that claim you have made late payments or been over your credit limit. Any of these items on your credit report will result in a lower credit rating.

3

Draft a letter to each bureau, explaining that the derogatory items on your credit report are incorrect and you insist they be removed. Include a copy of your driver's license to help speed the process along of verifying your identity. By law, if the credit bureaus cannot verify the information from the original creditor within 30 days, the item must be deleted from your credit report. You will be notified within 45 days of such decision, whether deleted or verified.

4

Go to the post office and send each letter to each credit bureau via certified mail. This is important to keep track of the 30-day time frame in which each bureau has to respond. Keep your receipt and the signature cards returned to you after they're signed by a bureau representative. These are your evidence of your timeline.

5

Keep the updated copy of your credit report that will be mailed to you after the credit bureaus complete their investigations. If items were verified, you can immediately dispute the item again. This process can repeat every 30-45 days. Be sure to follow the steps precisely, sending certified mail each time and keeping track of the dates received.