To dispute a credit report error, contact the credit bureau that shows it and the company that reported it, explain what is wrong, and include copies of your proof. The bureau generally must investigate within 30 days of receiving your dispute.
A dispute is for information that is inaccurate or incomplete. It is not a way to remove accurate information from your report.
Start with all three reports
An error can show up at one bureau and not the others, so check all three. The bureaus have permanently extended free weekly credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized site. You can also call 1-877-322-8228.
Look for accounts you do not recognize, wrong balances or credit limits, payments marked late that you paid on time, accounts listed twice, and wrong personal information.
How to file a dispute, step by step
The CFPB recommends disputing with both the bureau and the company that supplied the information (the furnisher, such as your lender or card issuer).
- 1List each error you found, with its account number, and say why it is wrong.
- 2Gather copies (not originals) of documents that support your case, such as statements or payment records.
- 3File the dispute with each bureau that shows the error. Include your name, address and phone number, each error with its account number, and copies of your documents.
- 4Write to the furnisher too. The CFPB notes you can send a dispute letter by certified mail and ask for a return receipt, so you have a record that it arrived.
- 5Keep copies of everything you send and note the date.
Where to send your dispute
| Bureau | Online | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Equifax | equifax.com credit dispute | (866) 349-5191 |
| Experian | experian.com disputes | (888) 397-3742 |
| TransUnion | transunion.com disputes | (800) 916-8800 |
For the furnisher, use the address on your statement or ask the company where to send disputes in writing.
What the law requires, and how long it takes
Section 611 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681i) sets the bureau's deadlines.
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Bureau notifies the furnisher of your dispute | Within 5 business days |
| Bureau completes its reinvestigation | Within 30 days of receiving your dispute |
| Extension if you send relevant information during the 30 days | Not more than 15 additional days |
| Dispute filed after you get your free annual report | 45 days, per the CFPB |
| Bureau sends you the results | Within 5 business days after finishing |
| Furnisher responds to your direct dispute | Generally within 30 days, per the CFPB |
A bureau may end a dispute it finds frivolous or irrelevant. Be specific about each error and include your proof.
Planning around a mortgage application
Most mortgage lenders pull all three bureaus and use your middle score, according to the CFPB. An error at just one bureau can change which score ends up in the middle.
Because a bureau generally has 30 days to reinvestigate, and sometimes up to 15 more, start any dispute well before you apply. Then check all three reports again before the lender pulls your credit.
If the error is not fixed
- Add a statement. If the bureau verifies an item you still dispute, you can add a brief statement to your file explaining your side, under FCRA section 611.
- Go back to the furnisher. Send more documents if you have them.
- File a complaint. You can submit a complaint with the CFPB about a bureau or a furnisher.
- Check again. After the dispute ends, pull your free reports again to confirm what changed at each bureau.
Common questions
How long does a credit report dispute take?
The bureau must reinvestigate within 30 days of receiving your dispute. It can extend this by up to 15 days if you send relevant information during that time. Disputes filed after getting your free annual report get 45 days.
Should I dispute with the bureau or the lender?
Both. The CFPB recommends disputing with the credit bureau and, in writing, with the company that reported the information.
Can I dispute something that is accurate?
A dispute is for inaccurate or incomplete information. The bureau may end a dispute it considers frivolous or irrelevant.
What if the bureau says the item is correct but I disagree?
You can add a brief statement to your file explaining your side. You can also file a complaint with the CFPB.
See the scores a lender will see
All three bureaus, each score labeled by model, and the middle score up front.
Get my scoresSources
- 15 U.S.C. 1681i (FCRA section 611)
- CFPB: How do I dispute an error on my credit report?
- CFPB: How long does it take to repair an error on a credit report?
- CFPB: Submit a complaint
- CFPB: Does my credit score affect my ability to get a mortgage?
- FTC: Free Credit Reports
- Equifax: Credit dispute
- Experian: Disputes
- TransUnion: Dispute your credit
- FTC: Disputing errors on your credit reports
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change; check the linked sources and ask your lender about your situation.
