How to Take Something Off of Your Credit Record

Companies with which you have credit-related accounts, including not only credit cards, but also loans of all types, provide your account information and payment history to credit bureaus. The bureaus---Experian, Equifax and TransUnion---compile the information onto your credit report. If one of your creditors provides incorrect information or if someone else's credit information gets put on your credit report, initiate a dispute so the credit bureau will research the information and, if it is incorrect, remove it from your credit record.

Instructions

1

Obtain a current copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus. You can get it for free by entering the requested information on the government-authorized Annual Credit Report website.

2

Review the credit reports and make a list of the incorrect information listed on each credit report. The credit reports might not be identical.

3

Open a word processing document and type the date, your name and your mailing address at the top of the page.

4

Write a paragraph identifying each error you found on your credit report from one of the bureaus. Include the account name, the specific information that is incorrect, why it is wrong and what the credit bureau should do to fix it. Print a copy of the letter.

5

Revise the letter, if needed, before printing a copy for each of the other credit bureaus. Each letter should only list the errors found on one particular version of your credit report.

6

Make copies of documents that support your position. For example, send a copy of your payment receipt to show that you did not miss a payment, even though your credit report shows a missed payment.

7

Mail the letters and documentation to the credit bureaus through certified mail. In addition, request return receipts so you can prove that the bureaus received your letters.