How to Dispute Closed Credit Report Accounts With Experian

You can dispute anything on your Experian credit report, including closed credit accounts. According to Experian, the fastest and easiest way to file disputes is online at the Experian website. In one session you can download your most recent Experian credit report, identify incorrect information, and file a dispute. You'll be able to return later to check the status of your complaint and review the results.

Instructions

1

Request a copy of your report directly from Experian, or refer to a copy that you already have that is less than 90 days old. You can order a copy at Experian.com. Find an identification number, called the "report number," on the front page of the report.

2

Review the report. Identify any inaccurate information regarding your closed credit accounts. Navigate to Experian's homepage. Enter "dispute" in the search box and click on the proper link for filing a dispute. Click on "Request A Dispute Online" to begin. The system will ask you for the report number from your credit report and your Social Security number. Follow the prompts to enter the information.

3

Begin your dispute. You will see all of your credit accounts listed, including the closed accounts. There will be options for disputing the closed accounts, as well as the others. Options will allow you to deny ever having paid the account late, or you can argue that the account never belonged to you. Click on the option best matching your reasons for filing a dispute. You will also be able to enter comments about the inaccuracies. Finish entering your disputes and follow the prompts to close the system. According to the Experian website, an investigation will begin immediately. Experian will contact your creditors about the dispute and your creditor will have 30 days to respond. If the creditor responds that the information is correct it will remain on your credit report. If the creditor does not respond, Experian will remove the information from your report, according to the website.

4

Wait for an email from Experian. The company will notify you when the results of the investigation are ready to be viewed and will send you a link to the results online. Click on the link to see the results. You can also return to Experian.com, re-enter the disputes area of the site and click on the link for "dispute status updates." There is no charge for disputing the information or reviewing the results online.