Dispute Items on a Credit Report

You're looking at your credit report and you notice an item that's wrong. You know errors on your credit report can damage your credit score, but what can you do to fix it? All 3 US credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) allow you to dispute credit report items online for free, which is the easiest way to take care of the problem. If you find an error on one credit report, check the others as well. If the error is repeated on other reports, you'll need to file disputes with each bureau separately. Not only will we show you how to dispute items on your credit report with each of the 3 major credit bureaus, but also how to make sure you win that dispute.

Steps

Equifax

1. Visit the Equifax website to file your dispute online for free. Go to https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/ and click "submit a dispute" to start the process. It's a good idea to have information about the item close at hand before you get started so you can fill out the online dispute form more quickly.
   • For example, if one of your credit accounts is showing "delinquent" status when you know you're up-to-date on payments, pull up your payment history on the account so you have it handy.
2. Create a "MyEquifax" account if you don't already have one. The website will prompt you to enter your login information if you already have an account, or to create a new one. Provide identifying information, including your birth date and Social Security number, then answer questions about your credit report to verify your identity.
   • Equifax only asks for this information once so your credit report can be found. Even though the site itself is secure, protect your information by not setting up your account on a public computer or while using public Wi-Fi.
3. Provide information about the item you want to dispute. Specific details allow Equifax to resolve the dispute more efficiently. At a minimum, you'll need the following information:
   • The name of the lender or company that reported the item
   • The account number listed with the disputed item
   • The dates associated with the disputed item
   • An explanation of why the information is incorrect
4. Attach digital copies of documents that support your dispute. Documents that prove the item on your report is incorrect help Equifax resolve your dispute more efficiently. Documents Equifax accepts include:
   • Copy of your driver's license or passport, if you're disputing personal information
   • Copy of your valid Social Security card, if you're disputing your Social Security number
   • Copy of your driver's license, lease, or mortgage, if you're disputing your address
   • Copy of your account statement or letters from the lender, if you're disputing an account item
5. File your dispute over the phone or by mail if you're not comfortable online. Even though the Equifax website is secure, it's not a good idea to file a dispute online using a public computer or over a public wireless network — your information could be stolen. Instead, call Equifax at 866-349-5191. This number is staffed 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until midnight ET. You can also mail a written dispute.
   • If you're filing your dispute by mail, include a letter with your personal information and details about your dispute (there's a form you can download at files. consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/092016_cfpb_ CreditReportingDisputeLetter.docx). Send the letter along with copies of any supporting documents using certified mail with returned receipt requested so you'll know when Equifax gets it.
   • For mail, use the following address:
     Equifax Information Services LLC
     P.O. Box 740256
     Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
6. Check the status of your dispute after a couple of weeks. If you filed your dispute online, you can check the status at any time through your MyEquifax account. Equifax indicates that it usually reaches a decision on disputes within 30 days, but you may get a resolution sooner.
   • For example, if you have a relatively straightforward dispute, such as that your name is spelled wrong or your Social Security number is incorrect, Equifax can usually correct that relatively quickly.
   • Disputes that require contacting a lender for more information might take more time. Equifax sends a notification when the dispute has been resolved. But at any step in the process, you can check online and see what's happening.
7. Contact the lender directly if you don't agree with the results. Check your report for the contact information of the lender that provided the information and send a letter directly to them describing the dispute. Attach any documentation you might have to prove that the item was reported incorrectly. Many lenders take disputes online if you're still an active customer.
   • You also have the option of filing a dispute with Equifax again. But unless you have any additional information that you didn't have when you filed your first dispute, it's unlikely that the result will change.
8. Add a consumer statement to your report if you disagree with the decision. If Equifax hasn't resolved the dispute to your liking, you can add a statement to your credit report indicating that you dispute the item or believe it is incorrect. Equifax requires the statement to be 100 words or less and directly related to the dispute. There's no online option for this, so you'll have to mail your statement to Equifax.
   • Mail your statement to:
     Equifax Information Services LLC
     P.O. Box 740256
     Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
   • While the statement won't impact your credit score, it might have some sway on an individual, such as a landlord or a mortgage lender, who was looking over your credit report.

Experian

1. Go to the Experian Dispute Center online and create an account. Go to https://www.experian.com/disputes/main.html and click "Start a new dispute online" to create an account with the Dispute Center. Verify your identity by providing your name, street address, Social Security number, date of birth, and phone number.
   • If you've lived at your current address for less than 6 months, provide your previous address as well.
   • Experian may ask additional questions to verify your identity using information in your credit report.
2. Select “Start a new dispute” to pull up your records. Once you’ve created an account, you’re automatically redirected to a new page. Click the “Start a new dispute” button near the top of the page, and you’ll be redirected to your credit report and public records. There are 4 tabs here, so scan through all of them to see if anything is wrong.
   • The “Accounts” tab lists all of your credit cards and credit lines.
   • The “Public records” tab only contains bankruptcies you’ve filed. If you’ve never filed for bankruptcy, this tab should be empty.
   • The “Personal information” tab lists every residence you’ve ever lived at.
   • The “Inquiries” tab lists hard pulls on your credit at the top, but you can view the soft pulls as well be scrolling down and expanding the menu.
3. Click the item you want to dispute and submit a claim. Once you find the item you’d like to dispute, click it and press the “Start a dispute” button to begin. A list of reasons for disputing the entry will pop up. Select the most accurate reason and continue. A sequence of questions and menu options will follow, but they’ll be specific to the type of dispute you’re filing. Fill out each question/menu option out to file your dispute.
   • For example, if you dispute a credit card for “Balance incorrect,” it will ask for the current balance as you understand it before proceeding. If you dispute for “Unauthorized charges,” you’ll be given a prompt to explain the issue.
4. Mail in a written dispute if you can't do it online. Even though the Experian site itself is secure, you may not want to do this if you don’t have a secure internet connection. If you don't have private internet access, download the printable form at https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/wp-content/themes/exp/pdf/dispute-form.pdf.
   • Mail your completed form to:
     P.O. Box 4500
     Allen, TX 75013
   • If you have any documents that support your dispute, include photocopies with your form. Use certified mail with return receipt requested so you'll know when Experian gets your dispute form.
   • You can also file a dispute over the phone by calling the number listed on your Experian credit report. If you don't have your report and want one mailed to you, call 866-200-6020.
5. Track your dispute status through your Experian account. Experian sends you email notifications whenever the status of your dispute changes. You can also check the status in the "Alerts" section of your Experian account.
   • If you see "open," this indicates that Experian has started investigating your dispute. "Update" means your credit report is being updated. "Dispute results ready" means Experian has issued a decision on your dispute.
   • Generally, it takes 30 days for Experian to complete an investigation into your dispute and issue a decision.
6. Contact the lender directly if you disagree with Experian's decision. If Experian isn't going to change your credit report, that's most likely because the lender proved to them that the information they reported was correct. Use the contact information for the lender on your credit report to contact them and tell them their information is wrong. You may be able to get your report changed that way.
   • You also have the option of starting the same dispute with Experian again, but this doesn't make a lot of sense unless you have new information or additional documentation that you didn't provide the first time.
7. Add a statement of dispute to your report if you still disagree with the decision. In the Dispute Center, choose the item on your report that you disputed, then choose "Add a Statement" from the drop-down menu. Type in the statement you want to make about the item.
   • Your statement will appear on your credit report next to the disputed item in question. Anyone who reviews your report will see it and might have questions about it for you. Keep the documents you have that are related to the dispute handy so you can show them to anyone who asks.
   • While adding a statement won't impact your credit score, it might be persuasive to a lender, particularly if the disputed item is the only negative mark on your report.

TransUnion

1. Create an account on TransUnion's website to file an online dispute. Go to https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit, scroll down a bit, and click on "start dispute." You'll be taken to the account login page, where you can enter your username and password if you already have an account, or create a new one.
   • To open your account, provide personal information to verify your identity. You might also be asked questions about information contained in your TransUnion credit report.
   • If you've previously requested a dispute, freeze, or fraud alert online from TransUnion, you likely already have an account. The login page gives you options to recover your username and password if you've forgotten them.
2. Select "New Investigation" to start your dispute. Scroll through your credit report on the screen and select the item you want to dispute. If you want to dispute more than one item, you can do them all using one form. Just make sure you've selected all the items.
   • Because your personal information has already been validated through your account, you don't need to add anything. You also don't need to make a statement describing the reason you're disputing an item.
3. Upload documents that support your dispute. If you have documents that show the item is incorrect, such as an account statement or a letter from the lender, you can upload them after selecting the item on your report. Providing documents often enables TransUnion to resolve your dispute more quickly.
   • You can't upload documents if you're disputing personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or current address. If you're disputing any of this information, use the phone or mail dispute options.
4. Use phone or mail dispute services if you can't start your dispute online. If you're disputing personal information or if you don't have access to a private internet connection, call 833-395-6941 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET and make your dispute by phone. You might still want to mail in documents that support your dispute.
   • If you don't want to call, use the form available at https://www.transunion.com/docs/rev/personal/InvestigationRequest.pdf to submit your dispute by mail. Make copies of any documents you have that support your dispute and include them with the form.
   • Use the following address to mail your dispute or documents:
     TransUnion Consumer Solutions
     P.O. Box 2000
     Chester, PA 19016-2000
   • Even if you submit your dispute over the phone or by mail, you can still check the status online if you create an account.
5. Check the status of your dispute through your account. If your dispute is pretty open-and-shut and you've uploaded documents that prove it, TransUnion might only take a few days to resolve it. More complicated disputes take longer. The status of your dispute is constantly updated in your online account, so you'll know what happens.
   • While it might take up to 30 days to resolve your dispute, TransUnion clears most disputes within a couple of weeks.
6. Contact the lender directly if you disagree with the dispute results. If TransUnion doesn't change the information on your credit report but you still believe it's incorrect, your best bet is to go to the lender who provided the information and tell them their information is wrong. Make sure you have documents to back up your claims.
   • There's contact information for the lender on your credit report. If you're disputing information about an account that's in collections, make sure you have the right contact information for the company that reported the information.
7. Add a consumer statement to explain the disputed item. If you disagree with the results of your dispute, login to your account and select the option to start another investigation. However, instead of starting an investigation, scroll down to the "Consumer Statement" section of your credit report and click "Add Statement."
   • TransUnion has some prepared statements that you can choose from. If none of them precisely fits your situation, write your own instead. It just needs to be 100 words or less (200 words or less if you live in Maine).

Win Your Dispute

1. Keep copies of everything to prove every action you've taken. When disputing items on your credit report, nothing is more valuable than a paper trail. Keep digital or paper copies of every communication you have with anyone related to the dispute, including customer service representatives for the lender or the credit bureau.
   • If you make any phone calls related to the dispute, write down the date and time of the call and the number you used. Then, get the full name and job title of the person you spoke to. Take notes while talking to them and repeat back everything they say to make sure you've heard them correctly.
   • If you want to be super cautious, you might type your notes up into a letter memorializing the call and send it to the company using certified mail with return receipt requested. For example, you might write: "This letter reflects that on October 20, 2020, at 2:20 p.m. EST, I called the customer service number and spoke with Susanna Serafina, customer service representative, who assured me that this error would be removed from my credit report."
2. Provide clear and complete evidence of the error to the credit bureau. Break your dispute down into individual facts and provide documentation to support every single one of those facts. The credit bureau is more likely to remove an item if you have complete evidence that the item is an error.
   • For example, if the cable company listed a past-due bill but you had moved and paid your bill in full when you left, you might include a copy of your lease, a copy of your final bill, a copy of your bank statement showing the final payment made, and a copy of your new lease or new cable contract where you live now.
   • If your dispute is related to identity theft, include all the documents you have related to the identity theft, including your police report and copies of any other complaints that you made.
   • Credit bureaus handle thousands of disputes, so they typically don't do a lot of digging into your file apart from contacting the company that provided the information for your report. In a sense, you've got to do the work for them to prove that the information is incorrect and should be removed.
3. Notify the lender of the problem. Print a copy of your credit report and highlight the error. Write a letter to the lender describing the situation and mention that you've already disputed the error with the credit bureau. Include the highlighted copy of your credit report as well as the documents you sent as evidence to the credit bureau.
   • The credit bureau will contact the lender when you submit your dispute. However, if the lender is completely unaware of the dispute, they might simply tell the credit bureau that the information they provided was correct. Your letter puts your lender on notice that there's a problem.
   • Mail your letter using certified mail with return receipt requested, so you have proof when it was received. If you don't hear anything within 30 days, call the lender and ask about it. Make sure you get the name and job title of the person you speak to on the phone.
4. Try again if your first dispute is denied. As the saying goes, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Credit bureaus typically won't give you a reason that they decided not to remove the item, which can make it difficult to figure out what else you need to do. Any additional evidence you can find will help you prove that the item is wrong.
   • For example, if the cable company was still billing you for service after you'd already moved, you might make a call to your landlord and find out when new tenants moved into the apartment. A letter from your landlord stating that you no longer lived there, as well as a copy of the lease, would prove that you had in fact moved out before the bill was posted to your account.
5. Escalate the dispute to state and federal authorities if needed. Your state's attorney general's office has a consumer division that deals with credit report disputes. At the federal level, you can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). When these authorities get involved, lenders and credit bureaus tend to look more closely at disputes. As a result, you're more likely to get the resolution you want.
   • Your state attorney general's office might also be able to give you additional tips you can use to get the matter resolved.

Template and Sample Dispute Letter

Doc:Template Letter for Credit Dispute,Credit Dispute Letter

Tips

• If you see account information on an existing account that's incomplete or inaccurate, it's often more efficient to contact the lender directly about the error rather than going through the credit bureaus.
• If your dispute isn't resolved to your satisfaction, you can also file complaints against the credit bureaus or the business that reported the item to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general.
• Through April 2021, all 3 credit bureaus are offering free weekly credit reports to assist with the financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warnings

• This article covers how to dispute items on a credit report in the US. If you live in another country, the process might be different. Talk to someone who works at a local consumer protection agency or organization.
• If you find an error on one of your credit reports, it might also exist on the others. Get copies of all 3 credit reports to make sure. You'll have to dispute each error individually.

References

See also

• Dispute Credit Report Errors
• Maintain Good Credit
• Improve Your Credit Through a Bank
• Maintain Your Credit Rating

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