Your credit report is one of the most important financial documents in your life. It influences whether you can get approved for a loan, the interest rate you receive, and sometimes even your ability to rent a home or get a new job. So, when something on your credit report doesn’t look right, it can feel frustrating or even scary.
The good news? You have the right to dispute any errors, and the process is easier than most people think! With the right steps (and a little persistence), you can correct mistakes and protect your financial future.
Let’s walk through what to look for, how to dispute errors, and what to expect along the way. We won’t use confusing financial jargon, just simple steps you can follow confidently.
Credit report errors are more common than you might think. According to a study by the Federal Trade Commission, 1 in 5 Americans found an error in their credit report that could affect their score.
Errors can happen for several reasons:
• Creditors report incorrect information
• Duplicate accounts
• Identity confusion (someone with a similar name)
• Old debts that should have aged off
• Fraud or identity theft
You’re not responsible for these mistakes, but if they go uncorrected, you may pay the price through higher interest rates, loan denials, or credit card rejections.
Below are 6 simple steps to first spot an error and then how to fix it.
Before you can dispute anything, you need to see what’s on your credit report in the first place. A credit report is a detailed history of a person’s borrowing and repayment activities, showing items such as accounts, payment history, debts, and more. It’s important to note that a credit report does not list a credit score. Each person is entitled to one free credit report per week from each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at the official AnnualCreditReport.com website.
When reviewing your report, check for the following and take notes or highlight anything that looks suspicious:
• Incorrect personal information
• Accounts you don’t recognize
• Late payments reported in error
• Closed accounts listed as open
• Incorrect balances
• Duplicate accounts
• Outdated negative items
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Depending on the error, helpful documents include bank statements, payment confirmations, letters from lenders, identity theft reports, proof of account closure or court documents for bankruptcies or judgements.
If you are unsure what you need, gather anything that could support your claim. It's better to have too much than not enough.
You can file a dispute with each credit bureau online, by mail, or by phone. Online is the easiest and fastest, but mail offers a paper trail that some people prefer.
Here’s where to dispute errors with each of the three bureaus:
• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute
• Experian: experian.com/help/dispute-credit
• TransUnion: transunion.com/help/dispute-credit
Your dispute should include your full name and address, the item you are disputing, why it’s wrong, supporting documents, and a clear request for correction or removal. If you elect to mail your dispute, send it via certified mail and keep copies of everything.
While the credit bureaus investigate, it’s also a good idea to contact the company that reported the error (called the "furnisher"). Sometimes, resolving it directly with them speeds up the correction.
Tell them:
• What’s wrong
• Why it’s wrong
• What you want them to update
Provide copies of your evidence (not the originals).
Once the bureau receives your dispute, they’re required by law to investigate, typically within 30 days. During this time:
• They contact the furnisher
• The furnisher must review the information
• The bureau must update or remove the item if it’s found to be inaccurate
If changes are made, the bureau must send you a free updated credit report showing the corrections.
When the investigation is complete, you’ll receive a letter explaining the outcome, an updated version of your credit report (if applicable), and a note that your report was corrected or the disputed item remained unchanged.
If the error was fixed, great! You’ve taken a major step toward protecting your credit.
Don’t panic. You can:
1. Submit a new dispute with more evidence: additional documentation can make all the difference
2. Add a consumer statement: up to 100 words explaining the issue directly
3. Consult a credit repair professional: outside help may be worth considering
Most credit report disputes resolve within 30–45 days. More complicated cases (especially involving fraud) may take longer. Once an error is corrected, it may take a billing cycle or two for your credit score to reflect the change, but the impact can be significant, especially if the error involved:
• Late payments
• Accounts in collections
• High balances
Correcting these can help your score rebound much faster.
Seeing credit report errors can be frustrating, but you’re not powerless. Federal law protects your right to accurate information, and the dispute process is designed to help you correct mistakes without stress, confusion, or costly delays. This isn’t just about fixing a number—it’s about protecting your financial future, lowering your borrowing costs, and making sure you get credit for the hard work you put into maintaining healthy finances.
If you’re planning to apply for a loan soon, take the first step and see your credit report as it stands now so you can be prepared.