How to Dispute Your Credit Report in the US
Errors on your credit report can cost you loans, housing, and jobs. This guide explains your rights under the FCRA and how to dispute inaccurate information.
Your FCRA rights
- —Free credit report from each bureau annually via annualcreditreport.com
- —Dispute inaccurate or incomplete information
- —Inaccurate information corrected or removed within 30 days
- —Adverse action notice when report information is used against you
- —Sue bureaus and furnishers for violations — actual and statutory damages plus attorney fees
Common errors
- —Accounts that do not belong to you — possible identity theft
- —Incorrect payment history — late payments shown when paid on time
- —Accounts paid in full still showing a balance
- —Duplicate accounts listed multiple times
- —Negative information past the 7-year reporting limit
How to dispute
Write to the relevant bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). Identify each item disputed, state why it is inaccurate, and include copies of supporting documentation.
After you dispute
The bureau must investigate within 30 days (45 if you submit additional information). They forward your dispute to the furnisher. If the furnisher cannot verify the information, the bureau must correct or delete it. You will be notified of the outcome.
Disputing with the furnisher
Dispute directly with the creditor, lender, or collection agency that reported the item. They must investigate and report corrections to all bureaus. Disputing with both the bureau and furnisher simultaneously can speed up the process.
If the dispute fails
- —Add a 100-word consumer statement to your report explaining the dispute
- —File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint
- —Consult a consumer protection attorney — FCRA violations carry $100–$1,000 statutory damages per violation plus attorney fees