Credit reports contain errors more often than people expect, and a mistake such as a misreported late payment or an account that is not yours can drag down your score unfairly. Federal law gives you the right to dispute inaccurate information for free and requires the bureaus to investigate. Knowing the process lets you get errors corrected and your score restored.

Your right to accurate information

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, entitles you to dispute any information on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. Both the credit bureau that published the report and the furnisher, the company that supplied the information, have obligations to investigate. The process is free, and you never need to pay a credit-repair company to do what you can do yourself. Common errors include accounts that are not yours, wrong balances, duplicate accounts, and payments marked late that were on time.

Gather your evidence first

Start by getting your reports from all three bureaus, since an error may appear on one, two, or all three. Identify each specific item you believe is wrong and collect documentation that supports your case, such as bank statements, payment confirmations, or letters. Write down exactly what is inaccurate and what the correct information should be. Solid evidence makes the investigation faster and more likely to go your way.

Filing the dispute

You can file a dispute online, by phone, or by mail with each bureau reporting the error, and mailing a letter with copies of your evidence creates a paper trail. Clearly identify the disputed item, explain why it is wrong, and include your supporting documents and a copy of your report with the item marked. The bureau then must investigate, usually within about 30 days, by contacting the furnisher. Send letters by a trackable method so you can prove they were received.

What happens after

When the investigation finishes, the bureau must tell you the result and provide a free copy of your report if anything changed. If the item was inaccurate, it must be corrected or removed, and your score can improve as a result. If the bureau sides against you but you still disagree, you can add a brief statement of dispute to your file and escalate to the furnisher or a regulator. Persistence matters, because a corrected report is worth the effort.

You spot a credit card on your report showing a 90-day late payment, but your bank records prove you paid on time. You mail a dispute to the bureau with copies of your statements, the bureau investigates within 30 days, the furnisher cannot verify the late mark, and it is removed, lifting your score.

Key takeaways

  • The FCRA gives you the free right to dispute inaccurate credit-report information.
  • Get all three reports, since an error may appear on only some of them.
  • File with the bureau and keep documentation and a paper trail.
  • Bureaus generally must investigate within about 30 days.
  • Corrected errors can raise your score, and you never need to pay for basic disputes.

Common mistakes

FAQ

How long does a credit dispute take?

Bureaus generally must complete their investigation within about 30 days of receiving your dispute, then notify you of the outcome.

Can I remove accurate negative information?

No. Disputes are for inaccurate or incomplete information. Accurate negatives, like a real late payment, generally remain until they age off, usually after seven years.