Credit report dispute guides
Found something on your credit report that is wrong? Pick the bureau and the type of item below for a step-by-step guide: what counts as an error, what evidence to include, where to send it, what happens next, and a sample letter you can adapt.
How a credit report dispute works
The Fair Credit Reporting Act lets you dispute information on your credit report that is inaccurate or incomplete. Each bureau keeps its own file, so an error on one report has to be disputed with that bureau.
- Day 0: The bureau receives your dispute. Send by certified mail with return receipt, or file online, and keep proof of the date.
- Within 5 business days: The bureau must notify the company that reported the item and pass along the relevant information you provided.
- Within 30 days: The bureau must complete its investigation. This can extend up to 15 more days (45 total) in some cases, such as when you send additional information during the investigation.
- Within 5 business days after: The bureau must send you the written results. If the item was changed or deleted, you get a free updated report.
Keep every dispute in one place
Upload a report, choose the items you believe are wrong, edit bureau-specific drafts, and track every mailing date and response window.
You choose every item and approve every letter. Results are not guaranteed.
General educational information, not legal advice. Accurate information can legally remain on your report.