How to Request Removal of Paid Balances on a Credit Report

Part of keeping a good credit score involves checking it periodically and correcting errors that the Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) has recorded. The CRA (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) receives reports on your credit behavior from credit card companies, utilities, landlords, and other bill collectors. If you are late on a bill but do pay it, it is possible that the payment has not been noted by the CRA, so you may need to request that the error be removed.

Instructions

Removing Inaccurate Information

1

Request a free copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com, by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by filling in the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348 5281.

2

Review the report for inaccurate information.

3

Report the errors to the CRA (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) in writing, and to the person or company that made the inaccurate report.

4

Send the letter by registered mail, marked "return receipt requested," noting the incorrect information, and providing photocopies, not originals, of all receipts or paperwork that supports your position. Ask for the information to be removed or corrected.

5

Include a copy of your credit report with the disputed items clearly marked.

6

Wait for a reply. The CRA has 30 days to investigate the complaint. If a mistake was made, they will notify the creditor and then coordinate in correcting the error. The CRA will send you a new copy of your credit report, which does not count as one of your free yearly reports.