How to Dispute Items on Your Credit Report Online

As a consumer, you have a right to dispute items that are on your credit report. You can dispute the reported items for a variety of reasons, such as outdated information, wrong debt amount listed, or if you are the victim of identity theft. To dispute items, first obtain a copy of your credit report from all three of major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. You are allowed one free copy of your report from each bureau per year. Once you have a copy of your report you are armed with the information you need in order to file a detailed dispute.

Instructions

Equifax

1

Order a copy of your credit report from Equifax. You can order the report online via the Equifax website (link in Resources) or by calling 877-322--8228.

2

Visit the homepage of the Equifax website. Locate the "Other Credit Services" section and its three categories: "Credit Reports," "Correct Errors" and "Fraud Alerts & Freeze."

3

Click on the "Start a New Dispute" link under the "Correct Errors" category.

4

Complete and submit the online dispute form by providing information such as your name, social security number, the name of the credit item that is being disputed, the account number, and the reason for the dispute. You will be provided with a confirmation number once you submit your online dispute.

5

Wait 30 days to give Equifax enough time to complete an investigation of your dispute.

6

Visit the Equifax website again. Scroll down to the "Other Credit Services" section that is near the bottom left hand side of the page. Click on the "View Results of An Online Dispute" link under the "Correct Errors" category.

7

Complete the form by entering the confirmation number provided in Step 4. You must also enter your name, social security number, and contact information. Click "Submit" to view the updates regarding your dispute.

TransUnion

8

Order a copy of your credit report from TransUnion. You can order the report online via the TransUnion website (link in Resources) or by calling 800-888-4213.

9

Visit the homepage of the TransUnion website. Click the "Dispute an Item" link that is located in the "Consumer Assistance" section. Click the link labeled "Submit a Dispute." Select the "Online" option. Click the button labeled "First Time? Click Here."

10

Complete and submit the online dispute form by entering your name, social security number, contact information, the name of the credit item that is being disputed, the account number, and the reason for the dispute. You will also be able to create a username and password for your online account.

11

Wait 30 days. Visit the TransUnion website again. Click the "Dispute an Item" link, located in the "Consumer Assistance" section.

12

Click the "Submit a Dispute" link. Select the "Online" option. Click the button labeled "Returning? Click Here." Enter your username and password to access the results of your online dispute.

Experian

13

Order a copy of your credit report from Experian. You can order the report online via the Experian website (link in Resources) or by calling 888-397-3742.

14

Visit the homepage of the Experian website. Click on the "Additional Services & Products" tab. You will see three categories underneath this tab, "Products," "Credit Report Assistance," and "Notices."

15

Click on the "Disputes" link that is in the "Credit Report Assistance" category. Click the button labeled, "Yes, I Have A Credit Report Number."

16

Enter your credit report number and social security number and click "Submit." Complete and submit the online dispute form by providing information the name of the credit item that is being disputed, the account number, and the reason for the dispute.

17

Wait 30 days. Visit the Experian website again. Click on the "Disputes" link that is in the "Credit Report Assistance" category near the bottom of the page. Click the link labeled, "View Credit Report Dispute Results." You can then enter your credit report number and social security number to view your dispute results.