How to Dispute Credit Report Errors (and Actually Win)

A Federal Trade Commission study found that 1 in 5 consumers had an error on at least one credit report, and 1 in 20 had an error significant enough to affect their credit score. A wrong address is harmless. A collection account that isn't yours can cost you 50+ points. Here's how to fix it.

Step 1: Get Your Free Credit Reports

You're entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized source. Check all three, as errors may appear on just one. During COVID, weekly free reports became permanent.

Common Credit Report Errors to Look For

• Accounts that aren't yours (identity theft or mixed files)
• Accounts incorrectly listed as late or in collections
• Closed accounts shown as open (or vice versa)
• Wrong credit limits — lower limits hurt your utilization ratio
• Duplicate accounts listed twice
• Outdated negative items (most must be removed after 7 years)

Step 2: File a Dispute

Online is fastest: each bureau has an online dispute portal. Certified mail creates a paper trail — send to the bureau AND the original creditor reporting the error. Include: your name, address, account number, clear description of the error, and copies (not originals) of supporting documents.

Step 3: The 30-Day Investigation

Bureaus must investigate disputes within 30 days (45 if you provide additional information). They contact the original creditor to verify. If the creditor can't verify the information, it must be removed. You'll receive the results in writing.

What If the Dispute Is Rejected?

• Add a consumer statement (100-word explanation) to your report
• Dispute again with additional documentation
• File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
• Consider consulting a consumer law attorney — they often work on contingency