Dispute It Yourself
A Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting Credit Report Errors
Everyone makes mistakes, even the credit bureaus. If you find errors on your credit report, don’t let them hold you back. Take action and dispute them!
Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports
- You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every year.
- Get your reports from AnnualCreditReport.com: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Step 2: Review Your Reports Carefully
Look for any errors, such as:
- Incorrect personal information (name, address, social security number)
- Accounts that don’t belong to you
- Late payments that you actually paid on time
- Duplicate accounts
- Inaccurate credit limits or balances
Step 3: Gather Evidence
f you find errors, gather any documents that support your claim. This could include:
- Payment records (bills, statements, cancelled checks)
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport)
- Letters from creditors
- Police reports (if you’re a victim of identity theft)
Step 4: Dispute the Errors
You have two main options for disputing errors:
- Online: Each credit bureau has an online dispute process. This is often the fastest way to file a dispute.
- Mail: You can also send a dispute letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. Include copies of your credit report and supporting documents.
Step 5: Follow Up
- The credit bureaus are required to investigate your dispute within 30 days.
- You’ll receive written results of the investigation.
- If the error is corrected, great! If not, you can re-dispute with additional evidence or consider seeking professional help.
