How to Get a Credit Bureau to Take Off a Mistake

The three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, maintain credit reports for most consumers in the U.S. Usually consumers will have a separate credit report with each credit bureau. Each is supposed to provide accurate information pertaining to your credit history, but often the credit bureaus will make mistakes. You can dispute an error on your credit report directly with that particular bureau. To dispute an error accurately, you should have a recent credit report that you obtained within the last 90 days, as well as a credit report or file number that is found on the actual report. Your credit report number will give you access to dispute errors online.

Instructions

Experian

1

Submit a dispute online. Go to Experian.com and scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click on "Disputes." Select the option that applies: "Yes, I have a credit report number," or "Log in" if you've ordered a credit report that doesn't have a number. Enter your report number which can be found on your Experian credit report, if applicable, the state you live in, your social security number and zip code. Agree to the terms and conditions. Then press "Submit." You will be redirected to your online credit report. Each entry such as a collection account or other personal information such as current employer and current address has a "Dispute this item" option beside it. Check the reason why the information is invalid (e.g., outdated, account belongs to someone else or account has been paid). You may also enter a small explanation in the text field provided. Submit your dispute and Experian will investigate it usually within 30 to 45 days.

2

Submit a dispute by mail. Compose a letter that includes your personal information: your full name, social security number, date of birth, address and email address. Also include information pertaining to the error: the company name, the account number and why the entry is in error. Make sure the credit report file number is listed on the letter as well. Also be sure to sign the request. The address to send the dispute letter will be listed on your Experian credit report file. Disputes submitted by mail may take up to 45 days to investigate. The results will be mailed to you.

3

Submit a dispute by phone. Call the dispute phone number listed on your Experian credit report. You will be asked for your personal information, the credit report file number and information about the entry that you wish to dispute. Disputes submitted by phone may take up to 45 days to investigate. The results will be mailed to you.

Equifax

4

Dispute an error online. Go to Equifax.com and select "Start a new dispute" under "Correct Errors" at the bottom of the home page. Enter in your 10-digit confirmation number, or Equifax credit report number, as found on your credit report in the corresponding field. Also enter in your full name, date of birth, social security number, address and email address. Hit "Submit." You will be redirected to your credit report. Hit the dispute option next to the item in question and give the reason why the item is in error. Submit your dispute. Disputes submitted online may take up to 45 days to investigate. Results will be emailed to you.

5

Dispute an error by mail. You can download the "Research Request Form" from Equifax's website. Make sure to complete all applicable information including the credit report confirmation number, your email address, your full name and mailing address. Also include information about the company who is listed in error on your report, the account number for that company and an short explanation of why the listing is an error. Investigations initiated by mail can take up to 45 days. A decision regarding the error will be mailed to you.

Mail the request to:

Equifax Information Services, LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta,GA 30374

Or, if your Equifax credit report is owned by CSC Credit Services, Inc. send your dispute to:

CSC Credit Services
PO Box 619054
Dallas, TX 75261-9054

(If you are unsure of whether CSC Credit Services owns your credit report, enter in your credit report confirmation number into the online dispute page and Equifax will redirect you to CSC Credit Services' website if your report is now owned by them.)

6

Dispute an error by phone. The phone number for initiating disputes is listed on your Equifax credit report. You will be asked for your confirmation number, your personal information such as your social security number and address, as well as information pertaining to the dispute. Investigations initiated over the phone will usually take between 30 to 45 days to complete. A decision on the error will be mailed or emailed to you.

TransUnion

7

Dispute an error online. Go to TransUnion.com and select "dispute an item" under "Consumer Assistance" at the bottom of the home page. Hit "Submit a dispute" and then enter in your full name and address. Hit "Next." Confirm your identity by answering questions specific to your credit history. Hit "Next." Then view your report. Once you find an item that is in error, select the dispute option next to the entry and select the reason why the entry is in error. Online disputes may take up to 45 days to investigate. You will receive the results of the investigation by email.

8

Dispute an error by mail. Download and complete the "Request for an Investigation" form on TransUnion's website. You must enter in the TransUnion credit report file number, your full name, social security number, date of birth, current address and information about the error such as the company name and account number. You can also select a reason why the entry is an error and provide a statement pertaining to the error. Make sure to sign the dispute form. Disputes submitted by mail may take up to 45 days to resolve. Results will be sent in the mail.

Send the completed report to:

TransUnion Consumer Solutions
PO Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022- 2000

9

Dispute an error by phone. Call TransUnion at: 1-800-916-8800 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST (excluding holidays). You will be asked for your TransUnion credit report file number, your full name, social security number, date of birth, current address and information about the error such as the company name and account number. Investigations initiated by phone may take up to 45 days to complete. You will receive the results by email or mail.