Errors on a credit report happen more often than most people realize. From accounts that don’t belong to you to “late payments” that were actually made on time, these mistakes can lower your credit score and cause setbacks when you’re trying to borrow.
Millions of Americans discover credit report errors every year — mistakes that can affect everything from loan approvals to the interest rates you’re offered. The good news is you’re not stuck with those errors. You have the right to challenge them and the dispute process is designed to help you fix inaccuracies.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to disputing errors on your credit report and what to expect along the way.
How to Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report
Filing a dispute may feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it into steps makes the process manageable. Here’s a clear path to follow when you need to challenge an inaccuracy.
Step 1: Review your credit reports.
Start by pulling your free credit reports from all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your credit reports carefully for mistakes, such as incorrect personal details, unfamiliar accounts or late payments that don’t match your records. Checking all three reports matters because not every bureau receives the same information from lenders.
Step 2: Gather evidence.
Once you spot an error, collect supporting documents to back up your case. This might include bank statements, proof of payments or account agreements. Highlight the disputed item directly on your credit report so it’s clear what you’re challenging. Having strong documentation can make the dispute process move more smoothly.
Step 3: Choose how to file your dispute.
Each bureau allows you to submit disputes in multiple ways:
- Dispute online. The fastest method, with secure portals on each credit bureau’s website.
- Send a dispute letter. If you prefer a paper trail, mail your letter with certified mail and request a return receipt. This ensures you have proof it was received.
- Call the bureau. You can speak with a representative, though they may still ask for written documentation.
No matter which method you choose, always keep copies of what you send.
Step 4: Wait for the investigation.
According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act the credit reporting companies have 30 days (sometimes up to 45) to review your claim. During this time, they’ll contact the lender or creditor that provided the disputed information and request verification. If the lender agrees with your claim, the bureau will update your file.
Step 5: Review the results.
Once the investigation is complete, you’ll receive dispute results by mail or email, along with a free copy of your updated credit report. Review it carefully to see if any changes were made. If you still have concerns, you can follow up with the lender or credit bureaus. You also have the option to reach out to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for additional guidance.
What Are Some Common Errors That Appear on a Credit Report?
Not every credit report mistake is dramatic, like a fraudulent account. Sometimes the errors are small but still damaging to your credit score. Here are some of the most common types of mistakes you might see:
Personal details that don’t match.
Something as simple as a misspelled name, a wrong Social Security number, or an outdated address can create confusion on your credit report. Even minor errors in your personal information can cause accounts to be mixed up, which may affect your credit history.
Accounts that aren’t yours.
Finding an unfamiliar account on your report can be alarming. Sometimes this is the result of identity theft, but it can also happen if someone else’s account is mistakenly linked to your profile. Either way, it’s important to dispute these errors quickly so lenders don’t assume you’re responsible for debt that isn’t yours.
Duplicate accounts.
If the same loan or credit line shows up more than once, it can look like you owe more than you actually do. This type of duplication can inflate your debt load and misrepresent your financial situation to lenders reviewing your credit file.
Wrong account status.
A common reporting mistake is an account shown as a late payment when you actually paid on time, or a closed account still listed as open. These errors may lower your credit score and give lenders the impression that you’ve fallen behind when you haven’t.
Expired negative information.
Certain negative records, like old collections, foreclosures or bankruptcies, should only stay on your credit report for a set number of years. If these items remain after the reporting window has expired, they unfairly hurt your score and need to be disputed.
Unauthorized hard inquiries.
A hard inquiry occurs when a lender checks your credit as part of a loan or credit application. If you see inquiries you didn’t authorize, it may indicate someone tried to apply for credit in your name. While a single inquiry won’t drastically drop your score, unauthorized ones should still be challenged to protect against fraud.
Does It Hurt Your Credit to File a Dispute?
Filing a dispute does not hurt your credit. In fact, it can only help. If your claim is accepted and inaccurate information is removed, your credit score may increase.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the legal right to challenge any disputed information on your report. The act requires the credit reporting agencies to investigate fairly and respond promptly.
Think of it this way: disputing errors isn’t a risk to your score — it’s part of protecting your financial reputation.
What Documents Do I Need to File a Dispute?
The more evidence you provide, the easier it will be for a credit bureau to evaluate your dispute. Having the right documentation shows that the information in question is inaccurate and helps speed up the process. Here are some common types of supporting documents that can strengthen your case:
A copy of your credit report with the error marked.
Start with the report itself. Print a copy of your credit report and clearly circle or highlight the disputed item. This makes it simple for the investigator to see exactly what you’re challenging.
Account numbers and recent statements.
Include documentation tied to the account in question, such as account numbers or monthly statements. These records provide context and show the correct balance, payment history or account status.
Proof of payments.
If your report incorrectly lists a late payment, back it up with evidence like canceled checks, bank statements or confirmation emails. These records prove you paid on time and can help remove damaging inaccuracies.
Loan or credit card agreements.
Copies of your loan or credit card agreements can also be helpful. They confirm your responsibilities and can highlight errors, such as accounts you never opened or terms that were reported incorrectly.
Proof of identity.
Finally, you’ll need to verify who you are. A driver’s license, passport, utility bill or even a P.O. Box can serve as proof of identity and address. This ensures the bureau matches your dispute to the correct credit file.
Always send copies — never original documents — and keep a file of everything you mail or upload. That way, if the bureau requests additional details or you need to follow up, you’ll have all of your records on hand.
How Long May It Take for the Credit Bureaus to Remove an Error?
The waiting game is often the hardest part. Once you file a dispute, the credit reporting agencies generally have 30 days to investigate. If they need more information, the process can stretch to 45 days.
During that time, they’ll reach out to the lender or creditor who reported the information. If the creditor confirms your evidence, the bureau will remove or correct the error. If the creditor disputes your claim, the bureau may keep the information on your report.
How Will I Know When the Error Has Been Removed?
You don’t have to keep checking back. Once the investigation is complete, the bureau is required to send you the dispute results in writing. They must also give you a free copy of your updated credit report so you can confirm the correction.
If the change boosts your credit score, you’ll likely see it reflected the next time you check, or not long after. Even if your score doesn’t jump dramatically, removing inaccuracies means your report paints a truer picture of your financial life.
What to Do When the Credit Bureau Denies Your Request to Remove
Sometimes, even after you file a dispute, the credit bureau may choose to keep the item on your report or deny your claim. While that can feel discouraging, you still have options for making sure your side of the story is heard and your rights are protected.
File a complaint with the CFPB or FTC.
If you believe the bureau didn’t handle your dispute properly, you can escalate it by filing a complaint with the CFPB or FTC. Both agencies oversee credit reporting practices and can help ensure your dispute gets the attention it deserves.
Add a statement of dispute to your credit file.
You have the right to add a brief written explanation — usually up to 100 words — to your credit file. This is called a statement of dispute. While it won’t remove the item, it ensures that lenders reviewing your report see your side of the story before making a decision.
Contact the lender directly.
Sometimes the issue lies with the original creditor rather than the bureau. Reaching out to the lender who reported the information can be effective. If they agree that an error exists, they can submit updated data to the credit bureaus, which may resolve the problem.
Consider credit monitoring for added protection.
If you’ve struggled with errors in the past, credit monitoring can be a helpful safeguard. These services alert you whenever there are changes to your report — such as new accounts, hard inquiries or updates to existing accounts — so you can act quickly if a problem reappears.
Final Thoughts
Errors on your credit report can be stressful, but they don’t have to define your financial future. Whether it’s a small typo or a major case of identity theft, you have the power to set the record straight.
By checking your credit reports regularly, disputing inaccurate information, and staying organized with supporting documents, you can make sure lenders see a fair picture of your credit history. Correcting mistakes may even improve your credit score, giving you better opportunities for loans, mortgages or even renting an apartment.
The dispute process may take some time, but every step you take is a step toward protecting your financial reputation — and that’s worth the effort.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
