How Can I Remove Negative Accounts From My Credit Report?

A negative mark can appear on your credit report for seven years. Any negative information found on your credit report can lower your credit score, which could hurt your chances of getting approved for new credit in the future. You cannot remove accounts that you actually owe, but you can remove accounts that do not belong to you. The credit bureaus must investigate and remove any negative reports that do not belong to you.

Instructions

1

Order a copy of your credit report from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. By law, you can get a free copy of your credit reports once every 12 months through Annual Credit Report. You can also order copies through the credit bureaus directly.

2

Review your credit report and circle any inaccuracies you find. This could include accounts that do not belong to you, accounts you paid that show unpaid on your credit report or collections with inaccurate information.

3

Create a dispute letter for every inaccuracy you find in your credit report. Request that the credit bureau investigate your claim and state why you feel the information is inaccurate.

4

Make a copy of your credit report with the error circled. Attach your credit report to the back of your dispute letter.

5

Gather any supporting evidence you have, such as copies of personal checks, bank statements or any letters from the creditor. Make a copy of these documents and attach them to your dispute letter.

6

Mail your dispute letter and documents to the credit bureau. Note the date you mailed the letter to the credit bureau.

7

Contact the credit bureau after 30 to 45 days if you do not receive a response to your dispute request. The credit bureau must legally investigate claims within this time frame. You can contact the credit bureau by phone or by mail to request a follow-up.

8

Order a second copy of your credit report once you receive a response from the credit bureaus. Verify that credit bureau corrected or removed the inaccurate information.