How to Write a Letter to Clear a Credit Report

Your credit score, a number generated using the information in your credit report, can have a dramatic impact on your life. It can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage, a credit card or a personal loan. It can also dictate the percentage rate and other terms of credit that is extended to you. Writing a letter to contest information in your credit report is the first step in correcting the information in your report and improving your credit score.

Instructions

1

Acquire a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. You have a right to receive one free report from each of these credit bureaus once a year. Go to annualcreditreport.com to request your free reports or call 1-877-322-8228. Provide basic information to prove your identity.

2

Review the information that you find in each credit report carefully. The information can vary among the reports. Make note of any debts that you have already paid that still remain on the credit report, inaccurate dates, inaccurate values of debt, multiple entries for the same debt and any other information that is incorrect.

3

Write the date at the top of the letter, followed by your name and address on subsequent lines. Under your address, write "Complaint Department" on one line with the name of the credit bureau and its address on the following lines. Write an introductory phrase, such as To whom it may concern."

4

Write that you are sending a letter to correct inaccurate information in your credit report. Write a summary paragraph about the inaccuracy. For example, you might write that one of the accounts listed on your credit report is listed as open even though it is closed.

5

Write a separate paragraph for each error you found. Include the account number.

6

Request that the credit bureau perform a specific action. For example, ask it to remove the information from your credit report after conducting an investigation.

7

Close the letter politely, leaving room for your signature. Add a list of the documents that you are going to enclose with your letter to support your statements. For example, if an account was included in a previous bankruptcy, you should include documentation from your bankruptcy in which the account is listed. Sign the letter -- and then make a copy.

8

Gather the documents that support your statements -- and make a copy of each to include with your letter. You can also include a copy of your credit report and highlight the disputed items if you prefer.

9

Mail the letter and supporting documents via certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the mail receipt for your records.

10

Mail a similar letter to each credit bureau with whom you have a dispute, as well as to the creditors who reported the inaccurate information. Include copies of your contentions. Inform the creditors that you are disputing the information that was reported to the credit bureau.