Disputing errors on your report

Do it like this

1. Know who has to fix it. Both the credit bureau and the business that gave it the information (the furnisher, like your bank, landlord or card company) have to correct wrong or incomplete information, and they have to do it for free. Source: FTCCFPB²¹
2. Mark each error and gather proof. Circle or highlight the item on your report and note the account number. Find documents that show it's wrong, like a bank statement showing the payment went through on time. Source: CFPB¹
3. Dispute with each bureau that shows the mistake. All three take disputes online, by mail or by phone: Equifax (866) 349-5191, Experian (888) 397-3742, TransUnion (800) 916-8800. Source: CFPB¹ Writing it down gives you a record, and the FTC says to explain in writing and keep records of everything you send. Source: FTC²
4. Put it all in the letter: your full name, address and phone number; the report's confirmation number if there is one; each error with its account number; why it's wrong; that you want it corrected or removed; a copy of the report with the items circled; and copies, never originals, of your proof. Source: CFPB¹ Mail addresses are on your report and on the FTC's dispute page. Source: FTC²
5. Send it certified mail with a return receipt, so you can prove it arrived. Keep copies of everything. Source: FTC²
6. Dispute with the furnisher too. Send a separate letter, in writing by certified mail, to the address on your report or the address the company gives for credit reporting disputes. If you can't find one, call and ask. Source: CFPBFTC¹²
7. Wait for the results. The bureau has 30 days to investigate, and forwards your evidence to the furnisher, who must investigate and report back. Source: FTC² Furnishers generally must respond within 30 days of getting your dispute. Source: CFPB¹
8. Check the outcome. The bureau must give you the results in writing, and if anything changed, a free copy of your report. If the furnisher finds the information was wrong, it must tell all three bureaus. Source: FTC² Pull your report again to make sure the fix shows up.

Sample letter to a bureau

[Date] [Bureau name and dispute address]. My name is [full name], [address], [phone]. Report confirmation number: [number]. I am disputing the following information in my credit file. 1) [Creditor name], account [number]: this account is reported as 60 days late in March 2026. I paid on time; my bank statement showing the payment on [date] is enclosed. Please correct this item. I have enclosed a copy of my report with the item circled and copies of my supporting documents. Please investigate and correct or remove this information. Sincerely, [name]

Your rights after a dispute

• If the bureau decides your dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, for example because it doesn't say what's being disputed, it must tell you why within five business days. Usually it needs more evidence, so send it. Source: CFPB¹
• If the dispute leads to a change, you can ask the bureau to send the correction to anyone who got your report in the last six months, or the last two years for an employer. Source: FTC²
• If the furnisher keeps reporting the item, it must tell the bureau you dispute it, and the bureau must note that on your report. Source: FTC²
• If you lose the dispute, you can ask the bureau to add a statement explaining your side to your file and future reports. Source: CFPB¹ Sending it to people who already got your report may cost a fee. Source: FTC²

Your dispute folder

• A copy of the report with errors circled
• Copies of every letter you sent, with the date
• Certified mail receipts and return receipts
• Confirmation numbers from any online or phone dispute
• Every reply from the bureau and the furnisher
• A new copy of your report after the fix

If it doesn't work

• If the information is accurate but negative, like a real late payment, it can't be disputed away. Most negative items can stay for seven years, and bankruptcies for 10. Source: FTC²
• If the error comes from identity theft, start at IdentityTheft.gov, the federal government's site for reporting and recovering from identity theft. Source: CFPB¹
• If you're still stuck after the investigation, submit a complaint to the CFPB. Source: CFPB¹