How to Dispute Your Credit Report
(Step-by-Step)

What you can dispute

You have the right to dispute any information on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Common disputable items include:

• Accounts that do not belong to you (identity theft or mixed files)
• Late payments reported incorrectly
• Balances or credit limits listed incorrectly
• Accounts listed as open that you closed
• Duplicate accounts for the same debt
• Negative items older than 7 years (10 for bankruptcy)
• Accounts included in bankruptcy listed as active

Step 1: Get your credit reports

Get free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. You are entitled to one free report per bureau per year. Review all three, because not all creditors report to all bureaus.

Look for the items described above. Note the exact account name, account number, and the specific error. You will need this when writing your dispute.

Step 2: Decide where to dispute

You can dispute directly with the credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) or directly with the furnisher (the creditor or collection agency that reported the item). In many cases, disputing with both is the most effective approach.

Bureau dispute

The bureau investigates by contacting the furnisher and asking them to verify the information. If the furnisher cannot verify within 30–45 days, the bureau must remove or correct the item. This is the most common route.

Furnisher dispute

Under FCRA § 623, you can also write directly to the creditor or collection agency. This is particularly useful for accounts in dispute with a collector, or when you want to follow up after a failed bureau dispute.

Step 3: Write your dispute letter

Your dispute letter should include:

• Your full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number
• The name of the creditor and account number
• A clear description of the error
• The correction you are requesting
• A list of any documents enclosed

Keep the letter factual and concise. Do not make emotional appeals. Do not dispute multiple issues in the same letter if they involve different accounts.

Step 4: Send it correctly

Always send dispute letters by certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you proof of delivery and the date, which starts the 30-day investigation clock. Keep copies of everything.

Bureau mailing addresses:

• Equifax: P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374
• Experian: P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
• TransUnion: P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016

Step 5: Follow up

The bureau has 30 days to investigate (45 if you submit additional information during the investigation). You will receive written results within 5 days of the investigation completing.

If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the bureau must send you a free copy of your corrected report. If it is not resolved in your favor, you can request a “statement of dispute” be added to your file, and you can escalate by filing a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.