How to Dispute Credit Report Errors (FCRA)
An FTC study found that 1 in 5 Americans has at least one error on their credit file. Disputing is free, takes 30 days, and is your right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Here's the exact process for Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — plus what to do if the bureau refuses.
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Step 1 — Pull all three credit reports
Errors rarely appear on all three bureaus at once. Get your full reports free every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized free source. Highlight every wrong account, balance, late mark, hard inquiry, or personal-info field.
Step 2 — File the dispute online at each bureau
Each bureau has a free online dispute portal. Pick the disputed item, choose the reason ("not mine", "incorrect balance", "paid in full", "past the 7-year limit"), and upload any supporting documents (receipts, statements, court records).
Step 3 — Wait 30 days for the FCRA investigation
The bureau must investigate within 30 days (45 if you add new info mid-dispute) and send you the result in writing. If the furnisher can't verify the item, it must be deleted. You'll get an updated copy of your credit report at no charge.
Common credit report errors to dispute
| Error type | Dispute reason | Typical fix time |
|---|---|---|
| Account not mine | Identity theft / mixed file | 30 days |
| Wrong balance | Incorrect amount reported | 30 days |
| Late mark paid on time | Inaccurate payment status | 30 days |
| Paid collection still open | Should report as paid/closed | 30 days |
| Item past 7-year FCRA window | Re-aging / obsolete | 30 days |
| Unauthorized hard inquiry | No permissible purpose | 30 days |
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- Daily monitoring & alerts
- Identity theft protection
- Score simulator & insights
- $1 for 15 days trial
- Cancel online anytime
- 3-Bureau credit reports & scores
- Daily monitoring & alerts
- Identity theft protection
- Score simulator & insights
- $1 for 15 days trial
- Cancel online anytime
Step 4 — Escalate denied disputes
Still wrong? File a complaint with the CFPB — the bureau usually responds within days. You can also:
- Write directly to the furnisher (bank/collector) under FCRA §1681s-2(a).
- Add a 100-word consumer statement to your file.
- Sue under FCRA §1681n for willful violations — actual damages plus $100–$1,000 statutory.
What never to do
Don't pay a "credit repair" company $99/month to send the same letters you can send for free. Per the Credit Repair Organizations Act, they cannot legally do anything you can't do yourself — and many take money up front, which is itself illegal under CROA.
Related credit-report guides
- Credit report explained →
- How long negatives stay on your report →
- ITIN credit mistakes to avoid →
- 3-bureau SSN credit report guide →
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Credit report disputes — frequently asked questions
Is disputing credit report errors free?
Yes — disputing is 100% free under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) has a free online dispute portal. Credit-repair companies who charge $99+/month per FCRA cannot legally do anything you can't do yourself for free.
How long does a credit dispute take?
The credit bureau must investigate and respond within 30 days (45 if you submit new evidence mid-dispute). If the data furnisher cannot verify the item, it must be deleted from your credit file.
What can I dispute on my credit report?
Wrong account ownership, incorrect balances or limits, duplicate accounts, late marks you paid on time, paid collections still showing unpaid, accounts past the 7-year FCRA window, wrong personal info, and unauthorized hard inquiries.
Will disputing hurt my credit score?
No. Filing a dispute is a soft action and never lowers your score. While under investigation an item may be temporarily flagged 'disputed' on your report — this is neutral to scoring and disappears once the dispute closes.
What if the bureau denies my dispute?
File a complaint with the CFPB — the bureau typically responds within days. You can also write directly to the data furnisher (the bank or collector), add a 100-word consumer statement to your file, or sue under FCRA §1681n for willful violations.
How many errors do credit reports actually have?
An FTC study found 1 in 5 U.S. consumers has at least one error on a credit report serious enough to affect their score. 5% had errors costing them 25+ points — enough to move loan-approval and APR tiers.
Should I dispute online or by certified mail?
Online is fastest and creates a digital trail, but certified mail gives you proof of delivery and is better for complex cases with many documents. Use mail if the bureau denies your online dispute.
Can I dispute with all three bureaus at the same time?
Yes — if the same error appears at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, file separate disputes at each bureau. They do not share investigations, so a deletion at one does not automatically remove it from the others.
What documents should I include with a dispute?
Include copies (never originals) of court records, paid-in-full letters, account statements, identity theft police reports, and any correspondence with the creditor. Circle or highlight the relevant details.
Can I dispute medical bills on my credit report?
Yes — and under recent CFPB rules, medical collections under $500 no longer report at all. Larger medical debts must be verified just like any other collection, and many can be removed if insurance should have paid.
What is a 609 letter?
A 609 letter requests the bureau verify the source and accuracy of information under FCRA §609. It is not a magic deletion tool, but it can force verification and expose incomplete records that lead to removal.
How do I know if a disputed item was verified?
The bureau must send you written results within 30 days. If the item remains, the notice must explain why and identify the data furnisher. You can then escalate to the CFPB or sue for willful FCRA violations.
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